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Northwest Hope & Healing Foundation, and the Swedish Cancer Institute presented the 9th Annual Fashion Show Benefit Thursday night, May 12, at the SHOWBOX SODO, 1700 1st Ave. S. All female models featured in the packed venue are breast cancer patients and survivors. During the live auction the emcee, Pat Murphy, asked for financial donations at different increments, and three separate audience members raised their numbered signs at the $5,000 level, several at the 2,500, and more at the $1,000 level.

It was announced, and printed in the organization's literature, that the money will pay for healing baskets, gas and taxi vouchers, groceries, after-school care and activities for kids, eviction prevention, and emergency rent and utility payments.

Many West Seattle residents participated, including Shari Sewell, Executive Director, Hope & Healing Foundation, Christine Smith, a breast cancer survivor who founded Hope & Healing 11 years ago, Nancy Woodland, Executive Director of Westside Baby.

Also of West Seattle, Event Co-Chair Linda Sabee, who owns Carmilia's and started the fashion show (with Kelly of Ola Salon), and Celesta Bjornson, Co-Chair of the fashion show, and Karen Kalzer, board member, and board member of Explorer West, too.

Guests included Becky Johnson, from the Alaska Junction, Susan Viscon of Genesee Hill, who is on the board of Westside Baby, Maragaret Peyton, a friend of Susan.

West Seattle's Tracy Dart modeled. She is well-known in the community as a tireless supporter of breast cancer research and fundraising, and heads Team-Tracy, walking the annual 60-mile, three-day Susan G. Koman Race For The Cure. A Team-Tracy table of four sat by the runway. They included Jennifer Witsoe and Nancy Henderson of West Seattle, and Shari Leid and Exotic Burmester.

You can read our article on Tracy Dart here:

Models featured outfits and accessories from boutiques in West Seattle including Carmilia’s, Sweetie, Coastal, West Seattle Runner, and care from Ola Salon. Also featured were Pera Handbags- available at Clementine in West Seattle, Howard & Marg in Burien, and, farther afield, Canopy Blue, Asher Anson, Jaxx Boutique, Road Apparel, Pink Ginger, Kick It Boots & Stompwear in Ballard, Tatters, and Promesse.

Sponsors also included West Seattle Body Works, Kiwanis Club of West Seattle, Westside Baby, Boy Scout Troupe 284, Hi-Yu, and the West Seattle YMCA, Phoenecia, Avalon, Circa Grill & Ale House, Spring Hill Restaurant, and CAPERS.