Loads of locals hit the catwalk Saturday night, displaying a range of fashions while raising $20,000 to support the Kendall County Women’s Shelter.
Organizers called the event a record-breaking success.
The fundraiser transformed the halls around The Bevy Hotel’s ballroom into a Boerne bazaar for the fourth consecutive year, with a summer-season runway splitting the center of the communal space to display the garb up for grabs.
The event hosted by the Boerne Retailers & Restaurant Association – an organization representing Hill Country Mile businesses – has seen rapid growth since its inaugural fashion show in 2019, raising even more dollars for the local safe haven for women.
“It has definitely seen its growth,” said Ashley Ermis, manager of Joli Boutique and chair of the style show since it began. “The biggest thing that has changed is the passion and awareness for the Kendall County Women’s Shelter.”
Ermis added, “We started in 2019 only being able to donate just over $6,000 and in our fourth year we are able to donate just over $20,000. We fully intend to keep growing this event and spreading awareness to our community about the Kendall County Women’s Shelter as the unfortunate increase of domestic violence continues.”
The event proved to be a community affair all around: The Bevy provided the locale, local sellers showcased their purses and pearls to support the local nonprofit and Boerne Radio’s Shan Wiley volunteered as emcee.
“It was super fun,” Wiley said. “It was the first year Boerne Radio was involved, and (we’re) so happy to help. Especially since it supported such a great cause – the Kendall County Women’s Shelter.”
According to Wiley, “We’re always happy to promote Boerne nonprofits, and I was honored to be involved. The whole night was exciting, creative.”
She’s looking forward to next year.
“I can’t wait for the fifth annual (show) … so I can’t sit. … These shoes are killing me,” Wiley quipped.
The models for the event, who ranged from elementary-age girls to golden-year women, were all locals scouted by Boerne businesses.
“All of the models from the runway are Boerne and San Antonio locals,” Ermis said. “We ask our participating businesses to ask their local friends and customers to volunteer to be models each year. It’s always more fun to see your friends up on the runway having a great time. Many of the models are also local businessmen and women.”
A staffer at the women’s shelter, Sofia Holl, expressed gratitude for the community support and urged anyone who needs help to reach out to the agency.
“Kendall County Women's Shelter was so honored to partner again with the Boerne Retailers' Association Style Show,” Holl said. “Ashley Ermis and Joli Boutique put on a fantastic event, and we are especially grateful for their support. It was so great seeing our community come together and champion our mission to provide a safe place for survivors of domestic violence.”
To learn more about the shelter and how to help, visit www.kcwstexas.org.
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