Rodney Stevens
The annual Maclean Cup Fashion Parade and High Tea was an outstanding success on Saturday, June 24, as 90 local ladies donned their favourite fashions at Maclean Bowling Club.
Maclean Bowling Club Marketing and Promotions Manager Tamara Bendeich said the 2023 Maclean Cup Fashion Parade and High Tea was one of the most successful since the event started in 2016, almost doubling their fundraising target.
“Over the last five years (two years of Covid) of the Maclean Cup Fashion Parade and High Tea we have raised $5,500 for the Maclean Hospital Auxiliary,” she said.
“This year we raised $2700 which was more than our target and we exceeded our target for 2022 which was $1400.”
Guests dressed in their best race day outfits, Ms Bendeich said with many lovely ladies complimenting their attire with hats and fascinators as they enjoyed the latest fashions and styles in a fashion parade featuring clothing from Clovelly Fashions, Ta’ Chele Australis and Heart of Space.
A Bagpipe performance by local lad Connor kicked off the afternoon at 2pm, which was emceed by Vicki Gulaptis, while guests who received a complimentary glass of Champagne enjoyed raffles, lucky door prizes and entertainment by Adam Hourigan.
“Clovelly Fashions, Ta’ Chele Australis and Heart of Space organised models who strutted their stuff on the catwalk showcasing their latest racewear as a prelude to the Maclean Cup,” she said.
“A team of five from the Maclean Hospital Auxiliary, Anne Farrell, Nola Baker, Helen Hamilton, Margaret Dobbin and Lori Brown served a lovely High Tea while guests enjoyed the day.
“One of our directors Margaret Stallard and Joy Allen did all of the catering for the day which was a great success.”
Ms Bendeich thanked Clovelly Fashions, Heart of Space, Ta’ Chele Australis, Shoes at Carney Arcade, and Maclean Variety Meats for their generous prize donations for the raffle, which raised $1000.
Best dressed lady for 2023 was awarded to Belinda Nugent-Walker, while Leonie Apps won the award for the best fascinator.
“All the ladies had a wonderful afternoon getting dressed up and enjoying a lovely fashion parade while raising money for the Maclean Hospital Auxiliary,” Ms Bendeich said.
The Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup concludes the XXXX July Racing Carnival on Sunday, July 16.