Local Celebrity Models Walk Runway for Education

In their spare time, state Sen. Joan Lovely and Salem State President Patricia Meservey are fashion models, but that's probably only for special occasions.

Lovely and Meservey will be among the lineup of celebrity models later this month in the 4th Annual Fashion Forward for Education show put on by Catholic Charities North at the Danversport Yacht Club. Kim Carrigan will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

All proceeds from the ticket sales and a portion of boutique sales from the fashion show will benefit education programs at Catholic Charities North for out-of-school youth. The regional branch, which is run by the Archdiocese of Boston, serves residents in more than 30 cities and towns in Essex and Middlesex counties.

"An education is a critical step to being able to participate positively in our local economy,” said agency director Virginia Doocy.

“Again this year, we hope that the women who recognize the value of education will gather for an evening of fun, style, and an opportunity to support youth who are striving to improve their lives through the programs we offer,” said Doocy.

The runway show will feature volunteer models (Lovely, Meservey and others) showing off outfits from the Carlisle Collection developed by an Ipswich resident, Giblees Menswear in Danvers, Revival Fashion Consignment in Danvers, J. Mode of Salem, Irresistibles (locally with stores in Wenham and Marblehead) and makeup by Euphoria Esthetics Day Spa in Swampscott.

The show is Sept. 26 from 5:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include hors d’ oeuvres, dinner, dessert, a silent auction and a raffle. Tickets are available via www.ccab.org or call 781-593-2312.

Catholic Charities says that anyone who can't make the show, but who would like to still the support the program can give a $65 GED scholarship. The money underwrites the expense of taking the exam.