The Clearwater Woman's Club (CFWC) will hold its thirty-fifth annual Daisy Award Fashion Show Luncheon on Thursday, March 23 at the Harborview Center in downtown Clearwater. Social Hour will begin at 11 a.m. with the fashion show to follow at 11:30. A luncheon, including the Harborview salad, encrusted chicken, chef's choice of vegetables and fried cheesecake, will be served at 12:30 p.m. The theme for this year's event will be an "Easter Parade", and guests are encouraged to wear their special springtime hats to the event.
The proceeds from the fashion show each year are given as a "Daisy Award" to a recognized charity in the Clearwater community. The first Daisy Award was given in 1972 to the Pinellas Youth Symphony. Area non-profit organizations such as the Clearwater Free Clinic, the RCS Food Pantry and the Clearwater Library Foundation have received thousands of dollars, through monies raised from this springtime event.
This year's Daisy Award Winner will be Clothes to Kids Inc., a local nonprofit organization which provides new and gently used clothes to Pinellas County schoolchildren for families in need. As the literature for Clothes to Kids states, "Research indicates that many children who come to school with inadequate clothing and shoes suffer from low self-esteem, poor social skills and lack of concentration." The vision for Clothes to Kids is to "meet the clothing needs of all eligible children in a cheerful, friendly atmosphere… where each child leaves with a smile on their face and hope for the future." In 2005, almost 5,000 children received clothing from this organization.
Several club members and local celebrities will model spring outfits from Stein Mart in downtown Clearwater. CCWC member Peggy Word and her daughter Margaret Word Burnside, a professional model and publisher of Tampa Bay Magazine, will be two of the featured models. Entertainment will also include the Pepper and Fine Thyme musicians and the Bunny Ott Dancers.
An "Opportunity" raffle will offer additional prizes, such as a three day/two night stay at the Belleview Biltmore and deluxe themed gift baskets. Luncheon attendees will have a chance to purchase "Opportunity" tickets throughout the morning. Guests will also have a 1 in 8 chance of winning their table's prize- a $25 gift certificate.
The cost for the luncheon and fashion show is $40. Patron tickets for the event are $50 and will include a listing in the program. Area businesses can participate by purchasing advertising in the souvenir program or donating gift certificates and opportunity prizes for the raffle. For more information about the Clearwater Woman's Club Fashion Show call 531-1733.