Out & About: YWCA Westmoreland fashion show reveals thrift store 'hidden gems'

Organizers of the annual YWCA Westmoreland County Girls in Pearls Fashion Show called this year’s rendition “A Hidden Gem Extravaganza.”

Looking at the sell-out crowd of 280, board President Theresa Rusbosin said the Y itself is something of a hidden gem in the community, “but we may not be after this evening.”

The signature fundraiser for the Greensburg-based organization was held Monday evening at Rizzo’s Banquet Hall in Crabtree.

Following a buffet dinner of Chicken Romano and gemelli pasta in marinara sauce, guests were treated to a show of fashions from the YWCA Thrift Shop in downtown Greensburg. Models were fitted from head to toe in outfits, including accessories, that can be found at bargain prices in the shop.

Totals ranged from board member and event co-chair Cheri Cavanaugh’s $174 evening ensemble to young model Brooke Mallory’s red holiday party dress for $8.

Other models included Rusbosin, Pat Bush, Audrey Bisignani, Cassandra Campi, Joanne Hudock, Kate Mallory, Reed Mallory, Angela Reynolds, Rosin Rivera-Bretana, Michele Steward, Monica Tietsworth and Y facilities director Matt Kolbosky, who also lent a hand as models ascended and descended the runway steps.

Emcee Jenna Harner, WPXI sports reporter and anchor, was introduced by event co-chair Carlene Williams, Harner provided commentary on each outfit and revealed the budget-friendly price of each to the delighted observers.

Ramona Kocinski was in charge of dressing the models.

Joining the co-chairs and models Rivera-Bretana, Steward and Rusbosin on the event committee were Y Executive Director Carol Palcic, Diana Basick, Patti Buhl, Mary Jo Haffner, Diane Hightower, Paula Maloney and Toni Wilson.

Guests also had the opportunity to participate in 50/50 and basket raffles and a silent auction.

On a more serious note, they heard about a global YWCA initiative, Week Without Violence, running Oct. 17-22, that aims to raise awareness — and ultimately end — gender-based violence.

Seen at the show: Jan Taylor-Condo, Annie Urban, Sally Ann Novak, Rosine Dull, Joan Stairs, Bonnie Lewis, Jessica Rafferty, Kathy Rafferty, Joyce Rives, Darlene Delaini, Tara Gandy, Kaaren Tintori, Debby Uebele, Bunny Giffin, Pat Nemchik, Gina Varrone and Jerry Harris.