The Family & Intercultural Resource Center presented its second annual FIRC Fashion Show Fundraiser on June 28 at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge, and the results nearly doubled those of the 2012 event. At this year’s event 50 community members, including Dan Gibbs, Dr. Elizabeth Winfield, Dr. Javier Gutierrez and other locals, walked the runway adorned in colorful outfits from the FIRC-owned and -operated Summit Thrift & Treasure stores in Dillon and Breckenridge. The evening brought in 300 supporters, who contributed an additional $25,000 in funds during the evening through donations and purchase of runway fashions, helping FIRC surpass the fundraising goal of $65,000 by bringing in a total of $83,000.

“We are overwhelmed at the support given by our sponsors and guests of the event,” said Tamara Drangstveit, FIRC executive director. “We were proud to produce a fun event that also informed people about the difference FIRC’s programs make in this community. I think a lot of people left with a better understanding of the struggles parents and families face in Summit County and some new outfits to add to their wardrobes.”

Money raised from the event will be used to support general operations, community support and parenting education programs that promote stable families. Last year’s fashion show brought in $50,000 making it FIRC’s largest fundraiser. This year High Country Healthcare, Summit County Government and Grand Lodge on Peak 7 all increased their support of the event, and seats sold out.

“Last year, FIRC’s board member Mary Caamano gave us the idea for the fashion show and the committee made the event up from scratch,” said Anita Overmyer, FIRC development director. “Mary passed away before the event, so the committee has made it our goal to produce events that would make Mary proud. We set the bar very high in our first year, but according to the guests, this year’s fashion and production was even better.”

Fashion sets included a gold outfit with a James Bond theme, red from the ’80s and brides in white. Back by popular demand was the vocal group Face, which kept the crowd energized and on their feet. Guests were able to buy the outfits modeled on the runway, which added to the event’s success.

“It’s thrilling to hear the compliments from the guests,” said Overmyer. “We’ve heard everything from, ‘This is my favorite fundraiser in Summit County’ to ‘We thought last year was fun, but this year was even better.’ FIRC is so fortunate to have such an amazing committee of volunteers who came together to produce such a top-notch event for the community.”

A committee of more than 20 community members came together to make the event possible; among them were Byron Swezy of CBST Adventures who donated his production expertise, Andrea Dixon of Big City Blues as the stylist, Kate Hudnut for the graphic design and seven local hair stylists.

For more information please visit SummitFIRC.org.