Women of Westmoreland to hold fashion show, accept donated attire for teens, job-seekers

Local dress styles, vendor browsing, dinner and dessert all will come together at the first Women of Westmoreland Fashion Show.

The inaugural event is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at Live Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield, in its Venue Live conference center.

A program of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, Women of Westmoreland (WOW) organizes four events each year.

“It’s all about promoting good things, businesses or nonprofits that can help the women who live in our county, and having a little fun while doing some networking,” said Lisa Kennedy, director of business development for the chamber.

Kennedy said those attending the fashion show will see models displaying outfits from three local businesses: Wight Elephant and Crossroads Boutique, both of Greensburg; and Onyx & Ivory, of Ligonier.

They’ll also be able to view some of the formal wear available from Angela’s Angels, a Latrobe nonprofit that offers free gowns and accessories to help teenage girls of limited means prepare for a prom or other special event.

At the show, WOW will accept donations on behalf of Angela’s Angels — including gently used formal dresses, shoes and jewelry, but not wedding gowns.

Donations also can be made to the Women’s Interactive Network (WIN), which offers professional business attire and accessories to men and women who are involved in the organization’s workforce development program or are referred for assistance. The organization currently is not accepting clothing but is in need of other items including shoes, ties, belts, purses and portfolios.

“We combine education, training, job placement assistance and comprehensive support services to help people overcome barriers to employment,” said WIN Executive Director Dawn Pomaybo. “Our organization has touched thousands of lives over the years.”

WIN operates a resource center in Tarentum and recently opened a second location in the same Hempfield building occupied by the chamber.

In addition to the modeling session, the WOW fashion event will include a presentation about the local Independence Health System, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and tables where attendees can check out the merchandise and services of more than a dozen vendors and organizations.

The cost to attend is $39 for WOW members and $45 for others who have an interest in joining.

Visit westmorelandchamber.com/women-of-westmoreland for a link to register for the event.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .