GALA ELVES Sadie and Sage Fetkinhour sort gifts for the needy under the Tree of Giving at the Gala Fashion Show at Best Western Plus Hood River Inn on Friday night. Taylor Meckoll, left, helps while Cathy Carter, right, emcees.
GALA ELVES Sadie and Sage Fetkinhour sort gifts for the needy under the Tree of Giving at the Gala Fashion Show at Best Western Plus Hood River Inn on Friday night. Taylor Meckoll, left, helps while Cathy Carter, right, emcees.
Patrick Mulvihill
Winter wear from Doug Sports
Patrick Mulvihill
Two Future Fashionistas deliver a classic team pose
The high-energy Gala Fashion Show, now in its 19th season, hit the Gorge Room at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn Friday night. A packed, energetic crowd turned out for the musical extravaganza, which is the primary fundraiser for the Hood River Christmas Project.
The Gala was again emceed by Cathy Carter and Gavin McAlpine, who have co-hosted the show for all 19 of its years. New highlights to the usual parade of businesses included a rousing demonstration by Community Zumba, rollicking performances by students of the Columbia Gorge Dance Academy, and three jazzy Christmas carols by The Columbiaires quartet.
“The holiday season has officially started, right here!” McAlpine told the eager audience in his opening remarks.
With that, the night kicked into song and sway. Performers of all ages ruled the catwalk, strutting and dancing to old favorites like Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” and hotter cuts such as Elle King’s “Exes and Ohs” and Omi’s “Cheerleader.”
Children were invited on stage mid-show to place unwrapped presents under the Tree of Giving — a fashion show first.
Kids smiled and trotted up to the main stage to drop off contributions, with help sorting from Santa’s helpers, who were decked out in candy cane finery. Gifts ranged a diverse gamut from toys (sparkling hula hoops and holiday themed board games) to non-perishable foods.
“This is truly a grassroots, Hood River project,” Carter said, adding that 500 families, including 2,000 children, will benefit from the community’s fundraising efforts this holiday season.
Christmas Project Board President Bruce Holmson thanked the crowd for its ongoing support of not only the fashion show, but of the charitable project.
“You’ve always been the backbone of our organization,” he said.
Music was provided by Area 54, photography by Ray Perkins, and lightening by Ken Jacobs, with Salon Visio and Andrew’s Pizza rounding out the evening’s partners.
The event was additionally sponsored by Copper West, Best Western Plus Hood River Inn (who donated the Gorge Room for the evening), Columbia Gorge Title, Dakine, Shortt Supply, Your Party and Rental Center, Insitu, Pistil and Laughing Mountain (who donated the reusable bags on all seats).
“It’s not just a fashion show — it’s the charity itself. You’re the ones who keep this going,” McAlpine said.
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