Fairfax Station Residents Help Present Salvation Army Fashion Show

The Fairfax Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary staged its 32nd Annual Fashion Show last week in Fair Oaks with over 200 guests.

Held at the Waterford center, the event featured not only a fashion show, but also entertainment, a luncheon, a silent auction and a jewelry corner.

Three dedicated women were responsible for this occasion.

As the fashion show and luncheon coordinator, Fairfax Station resident Angela Ganey headed the event. Ida Mae Speeks, a longtime Fairfax County Public Schools administrator, provided support as President of the Salvation Army Fairfax Women’s Auxiliary. Corps Officer Major Janice Fitzgerald, who along with her husband Major Earl Fitzgerald, commands the Fairfax Unit of the Salvation Army.

Major Fitzgerald thanked the guests for attending. Their support, she emphasized, enables the Salvation Army to continue its mission of helping people all over Fairfax County, from children to adults.

Ganey organized a staff of devoted volunteers who chaired or served on the show’s committees. These women included Barbara Stoetzer, Lois Cummins, Sylvia Laiti, Cecile Fleming, Anne Trexler, Meg McLane, Stacy Burke, Gail Gallaway, Marjorie Rowley, Clara Richcreek and Ida Mae Speeks.

Without their assistance, there would have been no centerpieces, door prizes, entertainment, favors, invitations, models, programs, registration or silent auction. Their contributions and hard work made the show glitter.

The fashions were presented by Lord & Taylor of Fair Oaks. The clothing ranged from around-the-pool informal to tasteful “Casual Friday” to sophisticated evening garb.

Meg McLane coordinated the models. “Some I inherited” from the previous committed chair, she said, and others were suggested to her. “It wasn’t hard to get them.”

Model and volunteer firefighter Paul Meade, son of equestrian Theresa Meade, has lived in Fairfax Station most of his life. (And no, Paul’s good looks were not enhanced by make-up.)

The other models were Carolina Hurtado, Christina O’Connell, Jeanette Crutchfield, Bridget Sampson, Sharon Gottlieb, Mary Jane Comegy and Mary Lou Glover. Several of these women live in Clifton and Fairfax Station, and some are also members of the Clifton Community Women’s Club.

The entertainment before the fashion show began was provided by  George Mason University graduate Angela Knight.

The coloratura soprano has sung for 13 seasons with the Washington National Opera. She also attended the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, receiving in 2007 another degree from the Living Faith Ministry Training Center.

Angela Ganey commented, “I thought for a minute the chandelier would crack” when she sang her high notes.

Regina Meade, the sister of Paul Meade, remarked, “She was fantastic. She has a powerful, melodic voice – just a lovely performance.”

Theresa Meade chimed in, too. “She hit every note perfectly. Her voice is crystal clear.”

Constance Connolly voiced the opinion of many attendees:  “It was a lovely show. I enjoyed it and will probably join the women’s group, as Angela suggested.”