Vintage clothing, silent auctions and food from area restaurants were all part of Goodwill Industries’ sixth annual Taste of Vintage benefit Thursday night.
The event, held at Quaker Station in downtown Akron, included a fashion show with 40 models and 450 people in attendance.
This year’s gala also included special recognition for Akron icon and retired chairman of West Point Market, Russ Vernon. “I’m grateful to receive this recognition from the many people who help with this organization and the work they do,” Vernon said. His wife, Peggy Vernon, was there to lend her support.
India Kaczmarek wore her classic hat to help check coats at the door. She said, “My mother loves Goodwill, and I get my stuff there too.”
The fashion show featured garments from Goodwill’s Vintage Clothing Collection. This year’s models were Julie Albrecht, Jennifer Arch, Angela Bateman, Debbie Berdine, Krislyn Berdine, Renee Booher, Madeline Bozzelli, Shakiyla Brown, Samantha Buemi, LuAnn Cerreta, Christine Chase, Betty Dalton, Laura Fink, Kelly Frank, Gretchen Giannatti, Rachel Hubler, Marilyn Keith, Michelle Laktash, Anne Lazzerini, Margaret Lazzerini, Elinore Marsh Stormer, Shenan May, Yelena Meltok, J.J. Mesko-Kimmich, Danielle Mieree, Julie Moldvay, Mary Morgan, Linda Nuosci, Renee Pipitone, Kim Rice, Jenny Schumacher, Carla Sibley, Amanda Strickler, Danyelle Sweiter, Jessica Tepus, Stacey Thomas, Jillian Thornton, Carrie Will, Michelle Woodard and Jessica Zuschin.
“If we have any items that would be auction items we send them here from our store,” said Medina Goodwill Store Manager Heather Hydel.
Baker Gabe Bell was part of a team at the Bakery at Hattie’s Café that made some of the 250 cookies for the gala. He said, “These are all homemade right from scratch.”
Ron Zuschin came to see his wife, Jessica, model in the show. He said, “She’s been looking at hairstyles from the ’70s for the last few weeks to go with her outfit.”
Event chairs were Julie and James Merklin. Laura Miller served as the fashion show coordinator.