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Thrifty Styles Hit Stage

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By LENORA LAKE

Tribune correspondent

Published: August 20, 2008

UNIVERSITY AREA - Western wear, simple skirts and blouses, evening clothes and matching accessories highlighted a fashion show for the thrifty shoppers.

Many outfits sold for less than $20 at a charity fashion show and tea sponsored by the Tampa Woman's Club in conjunction with University Village retirement community, which hosted the event. The clothes, hats and purses were from Life's Treasures, LifePath Hospice's thrift store at 1918 S. Dale Mabry Highway.

Groups of women from the Tampa Woman's Club began volunteering at LifePath about six years ago. The next year, they developed the idea of the fashion show, with all the previous shows held at the group's clubhouse, 2901 Bayshore Blvd. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit LifePath Hospice, which provides support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Previously, all models were members of the Tampa Woman's Club, but the event Thursday included participants who represented various clubs in District 8 of the General Federation of Women's Clubs.

Event chairwoman Betty Lumia said the fashion show committee wanted to do something different this year and several members live at University Village.
Lumia also wanted to expose other clubs to the idea of volunteering at a LifePath thrift store. A second Life's Treasure store will have its grand opening Friday and Saturday at 4802 Gunn Highway and needs assistance, she said.

Terry Hudson, manager of the Dale Mabry store, told the guests that the store generated more than $500,000 in sales in 2007 from donated merchandise. All proceeds are used for the programs and care offered by LifePath Hospice.

"When you see the little things we have here, the $4 jewelry, the $8 clothes, the 59-cent mugs, it all adds up," Hudson said.
Lumia said the volunteers help sort and sell the merchandise. They assist Hospice social workers with finding items in the store to help them meet their clients' need.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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