From Cheetah To Stripes, Fashion Hits The Runway For Charity

By, Terra Rivers, Managing Editor

Last Tuesday, volunteer models took to the runway for CommuniCare Health Foundation’s inaugural Fundraising Fashion Show luncheon.

The event was held at the San Marcos Rec Hall from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM and included designs from Chico’s Premium Outlets, Two P’s & Calli’s and KnD’s Boutique.

During the show, a silent auction was held where attendees had the opportunity to bid on a variety of items donated by local organizations and businesses.

Before the models took the runway, Marisol Cortez, Chief Executive Office of CommuniCare Health Foundation talked about the history of CommuniCare.

CommuniCare Health Center’s was first started in 1972 by Sister Dolores Girault, who saw there were increasing health problems in the west side of San Antonio.

“She went and got her first funding and secured two rooms behind the back of the church on the west side of the church in West San Antonio,” Cortez said.

Communicare began by providing pediatric care to children and has since expanded to become a full-service primary healthcare system for people of all ages.

Cortez said Communicare is currently in three counties, Bexar, Hays and Kendall county and will be expanding to Hollis in Madison County in October; currently, they have one located in Bexar and Kendall Counties and three in Hays.

“We are very excited to be growing with a lot of support,” Cortez said. “We served about 64,000 patients a year, and we serve everyone whether they are insured and uninsured. We provide an average of about $12 million a year in uncompensated care.”

The event was made possible by sponsors such as Advanced Imaging San Marcos, James Avery, RBFCU, Spectrum Reach and 39 local, in-kind sponsors.

Whether it was a day at the park, a day in the office or a night on the town, models were dressed to shine in patterns from floral to stripes to the daring cheetah print.

A student team from the Paul Mitchell The School in San Antonio provided hair and makeup for the event’s models, and Spice of Life provided the catering. 

“Communicare health centers have really greatly impacted so many lives of those who they serve, and it’s because of the strong leadership and dedications that this organization has been able to grow and expand,” Bohl said.

All the proceeds from the event went to supporting CommuniCare Health Centers’ mission to improve the health of those they serve “with a commitment to excellence.”

According to organizers, the CommuniCare inaugural Fundraising Fashion Show raised a net profit of $2,258.45, and CommuniCare received $10,000 in media trade with Spectrum Reach.

Melissa Clark, Development Consultant for CommuniCare Health Foundation, said an organization’s that is new to a community usually breaks even on its first event, so the fashion show was considered a great success. 

Those interested in becoming a sponsor or donor can contact Cortez at 210 233 7080 or by email at mcortez@communicaresa.org to discuss donations or planned giving options.