Golden Year: Friends of Rural Parish Workers

There is something uniquely captivating about a fashion show. Models on the runway, beautiful clothes, bold colors, the creativity of designers—all these elements combine to transport guests to another world for a couple of hours. And when the event raises money for an important cause, the experience is even better.

This month marks West County Center’s 15th anniversary, and a key part of the shopping center’s commemorative efforts is an annual fall-themed fashion show and luncheon spotlighting looks from various mall retailers. Held Oct. 13 at The Ritz-Carlton, the event benefits Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King, a Washington County-based agency that provides food, shelter and other critical services for area residents in need. Locally, it is supported by Friends of the Rural Parish Workers.

The nonprofit has reached a couple of key milestones this year—its 75th anniversary and the 50th fashion show put on by the Friends organization. The show’s planning committee includes 12 women who have served on it all 50 years, notes Vicki Messmer, who chairs the event with fellow board member Therese Hagemeister.

“Rural Parish Workers was founded by a group of Catholic women who wanted to help struggling residents of the DeSoto area,” Messmer says. “It used to be a busy mining town, but it was no longer thriving 75 years ago. The former mine workers had no money and needed help.” Today, the organization receives support from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, but funds raised by the fashion show are a critical part of its development efforts as well. “In the beginning, the show’s founders made all the luncheon food themselves and held it at the old Checkerdome,” Messmer says.  “It grew from there, but it’s still a very humble and service-oriented organization.”

The day of the show is always packed with fun for shoppers and fashion enthusiasts, she notes. There will be clothing and accessory boutiques starting at 10 a.m., and lunch and the fashion show get under way at 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at rpwck.org. For those who are feeling lucky, a ‘golden ticket’ mystery giveaway, raffle and table prizes will add to the excitement. This year’s emcee is radio personality Guy Phillips of Y98 FM, and all proceeds directly benefit the
nonprofit’s work, Messmer says.

Sean Phillips, the show’s producer and marketing director for mall owner and manager CBL & Associates Properties Inc., says Altar’d State, Banana Republic, DressBarn, Eddie Bauer, Evereve, Gap, Geranium, J. Jill, Macy’s and White House|Black Market will have booths at the event. The show also includes fashions and dolls from the American Girl store in Chesterfield. Runway models are volunteers of all ages from area parishes. “They really have fun doing the show,” Messmer says. “St. Louis is such a ‘big small town’ that everyone sees people they know and has a great time networking. We encourage St. Louisans to come and enjoy the show—and make a difference for neighbors in need!”

CBL’s Phillips says his company is very pleased to support Rural Parish Workers and its efforts to aid area residents. “When you see how the funds benefit so many people in Missouri, it makes you feel like you’re doing something really worthwhile by attending,” he says. “And our stores love participating every year because they know what a great organization this is. We’re very happy to have retailers who care about the community.”

West County Center and Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King are working together to aid area residents in need.

Pictured on the cover: Sean Phillips of mall owner and management company CBL & Associates Properties Inc.; clothing by Mister Guy Men’s. For information on the annual fashion show Oct. 13 at The Ritz-Carlton, and to learn more about Rural Parish Workers, visit rpwck.org.

Cover photo: Suzy Gorman