The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Dallas (SAWA) has a great problem: the more than 10,000 clothes that have come in for its fundraising fashion show and luncheon. And what’s more, loads of clothes are still arriving at the Salvation Army of North Texas warehouse on Harry Hines for the 2022 SAWA Fashion Show And Luncheon.
The massive number is the result of last year’s Fashion Show And Luncheon being canceled and the clothes being held over for this year.
The process of organizing the assortment of “experienced” and new clothes is taking up more square footage than Lisa and Kenny Troutt’s indoor basketball court. Just today, SAWA President Elizabeth Gambrell reported that dozens of additional racks had been ordered to handle the overload. But before she could get the words out, someone had to tell her that the new racks had arrived and were already filled as incoming SAWA President Jennifer Dix, 2023 SAWA Fashion Show Chair Kim Quinn, Shannon Graham and other volunteers attached tags to the dresses, suits, skirts, slacks and evening gowns. Among the labels are such couturiers as Chloe, Herrera and Lela Rose. One volunteer said that she had seen some of her donated clothes that she was probably going to buy back. Another was heard to exclaim when she discovered a perfectly beautiful white leather Chanel suit.
And just who has to go through all of these clothes and accessories to price them? Jennifer reported that Vintage Martini’s Ken Weber has taken on this assignment.
But this year there is a totally new category. It’s children’s clothing from infants to 8-year olds. But for this unique collection of 2,500 outfits, there is also a new shop-athon. It takes place this Friday at the warehouse. From 9 a.m. to noon, it’s a $20 entry fee. Once the clock strikes 12, admission is free until 3 p.m. Every item is $20. It’s the perfect event for parents, grandparents and anyone who has a little one in their life.
And speaking of youngsters, Fashion Show And Luncheon Chair Nikki Webb was MIA today. The reason was one of her sons woke up this morning feeling definitely under the weather. Since motherhood is a priority, Nikki and son were headed to the doctor to be checked out.
But back to the SAWA activities. To save time, here is a rundown of the dates to mark on your calendar… brace yourselves:
- Friday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Chic Children’s Boutique at Salvation Army warehouse (9216 Harry Hines)
- Monday, April 4 — Deadline for donating clothes for the 2022 SAWA Fashion Show And Luncheon. If you haven’t already cleaned out your closet, get editing.
- Monday, April 25 (noon to 3 p.m.) and Tuesday, April 26 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) 1st Look Chic Boutique —
- $5,000 to $9,999 patrons — table host and four guests
- $3,000 to $4,999 patrons — table host and two guests
- Individual tickets holders at the $300 and $750 level will receive one admission on Tuesday, April 26.
- Any luncheon guest who doesn’t qualify for the free admission can purchase a Chic Boutique Shopping pass for $100 that will entitle them to both the 1st Look Chic Boutique on Monday, April 25, as well as a 9:30 a.m. admission to the Chic Boutique on the day of the luncheon.
For the really big SAWA supporters (aka $10,000 patrons and above), they not only get admission for themselves and their tables’ guests, but also an early shopping spree from 10 a.m. to noon on April 25.
- Thursday, April 28 (6:30 to 8 p.m.) — SAWA Fashion Show And Luncheon Patron Party at a private residence.
- Tuesday, May 3 (10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) — Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Dallas Fashion Show And Luncheon at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
- Thursday, May 5 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) – Wearhouse After Sale at 9216 Harry Hines Boulevard
Not all of the items will be available for purchase until the big event, though. More than a dozen racks of outfits and accessories that have been adjusted under the direction of fashion show producer Jan Strimple will be on the runway in the McDermott Concert Hall. But take heart. The runway goodies will immediately go up for sale following the show.
While the clothes are being tagged, time is ticking to get your ticket or table or upgrade for a legendary shopping spree fundraiser that Joan Rivers would have loved.