Out & About: YWCA Westmoreland fashion show touts ‘Amaizeing’ thrift shop looks

The YWCA Westmoreland County’s annual Girls in Pearls fashion show was subtitled “An Amaizeing Gala.” The name was a nod to the harvest season and to the looks that graced the runway.

Held Monday at Rizzo’s Banquet Hall in Crabtree, the 18th annual show featured trendy fashions to be had for — yes — amazing prices at the Y’s thrift shop in downtown Greensburg. Many are donated with tags still attached, having never been worn.

Models strutted their stuff in everything from school togs and work wear to outfits ready for the most glamorous night on the town, with commentary from Lynne Hayes-Freeland, an icon of Pittsburgh radio and television broadcasting.

Head-to-toe looks including shoes, jewelry and bags ranged from $14 for a school ensemble for 4-year-old Cherie Conaway to less than $50 for sparkling and shimmering evening wear perfect for the upcoming holidays.

Joining Cherie on the runway were Damarcus Claiborne, Alejandra Castillo, Lori Delaney, Cheryl King, Matthew Kolbosky, Lisa Leonard, Melissa Marks, Aubrey Marquis, Rosin Rivera-Bretana, Cynthia Snodgrass, Marci Wiggins, Ruth Tolbert, Gia VanDyke and Gabrielle Vanounou.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Emcee Lynne Hayes-Freeland (left) and Carol Palcic, executive director of the YWCA Westmoreland County, at the Y’s Girls in Pearls fashion show on Oct. 18, 2021, at Rizzo’s Banquet Hall in Crabtree.

Following the show, Hayes-Freeland told the crowd of 200, “If you haven’t been to the thrift shop yet, we’ve just given you 15 reasons why you should go.”

“Last year we had a virtual event and it was successful, but what we missed most was you,” Y board president Theresa Rusbosin told guests.

Rusbosin also mentioned upcoming events at the Y, including a Nov. 11 celebration of women veterans and a Nov. 20 breakfast with Santa in conjunction with Greensburg’s holiday parade. She also invited folks to visit the recently opened used book store at the Y’s Huff Mansion in Greensburg.

Fashion show committee included co-chairs Carlene Williams and Cheri Cavanaugh, Diana Basick, Diane Hightower, Marcy Karasek, Diane Krivoniak, Paula Maloney, Rosin Rivera-Bretana, Gabrielle Skillings, Norma Skillings and Y Executive Director Carol Palcic.

Seen: Lyndsay Burrik, Cassie Ellson, Mary Jo Haffner, Erika Nuckles, Mary Catherine Motchar, Michele Bononi, Julie Donovan, Michelle Haberstock, Annie Urban, Kathy Rafferty, Jessica Rafferty, Megan Palcic, Patti Buhl, Jill Briercheck, Sharon Schiavoni, Bonnie Lewis, Sharon Shepard, Joyce Rives, Laurie Hough, Karen Ridilla, Kathleen Kelly, Donna Latimer, Susan Bortz, Chris Kearns and Andrea Bortoluzzi.