“Bippity boppity boo, Cinderella has come to the ball.” This was Bridget Dale’s introduction for one of the runway models at Tuesday’s fashion show and fundraiser for the Hill County Youth Ranch in Ingram. Dale’s reference was to model Blythe Thomas, who wore a flowing light blue formal that was reminiscent of Cinderella’s outfit in the animated movie.
The 48th Annual Healing Hearts Celebration, which included the style show, luncheon and auction, drew a packed house in the ballroom at the Y.O. Ranch Hotel and Conference Center.
“I love the electricity in the room,” Dale said as the style show got started. Model after model walked the runway in clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories from the thrift store. Guests oohed and aahed over designer brands that included Lillie Rubin, Ferragamo shoes, Ralph Lauren and all lengths of furs.
Among the showstoppers were vintage snakeskin outfits, a vintage alligator clutch, silk pants and fun vests. The models, all volunteers at the thrift shop, were obviously enjoying their star turn, some swinging their purses in circles, others twirling belts and scarves as lassoes. Dale, who manages the thrift store, said money from the fundraiser goes toward funding children’s recreational activities, scholarships, visual and performing arts activities and Christian education at the Hill Country Youth Ranch.
Other activities funded include driver education, family life activities and trips, and transitional living activities for yo.