Local models take to the runway

PALMER — A cadre of unlikely super models will take to the runway for a good cause Aug. 8, 6 p.m. in Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

Again this year, a dozen or so local folks, like Mat-Su Borough School District Superintendent Deena Paramo or Palmer Mayor Delena Johnson, while model three different outfits as part of a fundraiser for the March of Dimes.

For the second year, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center has partnered with March of Dimes to present the local fundraiser.

March of Dimes community director Susan Churchill said each of the 15 models in the second annual event was asked to raise $7,000 to participate. And some models like Johnson and Paramo who participated last year, also are returning for the fundraiser’s second year.

Other models this year include Vanessa Ybarra, Roxie Mayberry, Rep. Lynn Gattis, Rep. Shelley Hughes, Lanissa Grogan, RN, Rob Grogan, Laura Peterson, MD, Stacy Peterson, Jehnifer Ehmann, Carolyn Hanson, Emily Stevens, Rachel Lescher, MD and Matt Hirschfeld, MD.

After last year’s event, Churchill said people asked about the possibility of adding men to the show.

“So we said ‘Sure,’” she said.

Ladies and gentlemen will model three outfits in the categories of Casual Friday, Night on the Town and All About Me.

Target will dress the models for Casual Friday, Younique Boutique will provide Night on the Town Attire, and models will dress in their own clothes for the All About Me part of the show.

Churchill said models are asked to dress themselves in something that reflects a hobby or passion. For instance, last year, Lorali Simon was one of the models and she walked the runway in her motorcycle leathers.

“That’s always the fun part to see what people will do,” Churchill said.

The evening also includes a bar catered by Grape Tap, and an auction of new and gently used purses.

Tickets are $35, or a table of eight for $500 and are on sale Non-Essentials, Shear Fire Design, Younique Boutique, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, or from March of Dimes by calling (907) 276-4111.

“It’s the perfect girls night out kind of thing,” Churchill said.

Contact Heather A. Resz at 352-2268 or

heather.resz@frontiersman.com.