Fifth annual luncheon raises money for SCAC

By KATIE MCDOWELL/Lifestyles Editor

COLUMBIANA – Models of all ages hit the runway here Feb. 11 for the fifth annual Have a Heart for the Arts fundraiser.

The luncheon and fashion show, which sold out, raises money for the Shelby County Arts Council, a non-profit organization that provides arts education to local residents. The fundraiser is jointly sponsored by three local women’s clubs – Vignette, Novella and the Columbiana Culture Club.

Barbara Robinson, a Vignette member and chairman of the joint committee that organized the fundraiser, said the luncheon is always well attended, including this year, which attracted hundreds of guest.

“It was a hit from the beginning,” she said. “It’s been a lot of fun to watch it grow … I think the challenge is to include something new and different every year.”

This year’s fundraiser featured fashions from several local retail stores. The fashions ranged from children’s clothes to game day outfits for Alabama and Auburn fans, as well as outfits for women from their 20s and older.

•  Fireflies and Fairytales, a children’s boutique, located in Lee Branch shopping center in Birmingham;
• Chic Boutique, a women’s boutique located in the Lee Branch shopping center in Birmingham
• Game Day In Style, a specialty boutique created by Sylvia Gonda. Available online at Gamedayinstyle.com.
• Coldwater Creek, a women’s clothing store located at The Summit in Birmingham.

Robinson said members of all three clubs have close ties to the SCAC.

“A lot of us volunteer with the Shelby County Arts Council,” she said. “A lot of us take classes there. Some of us teach there. We see it as an asset.”

A silent auction and door prizes also raised money for the SCAC.

Haley Mims emceed the event and provided vocal entertainment. Vignette member and Fish Market owner Nancy Drakos provided food for the luncheon.