The bright lights and glamor of a fashion show offer a striking contrast to the poverty experienced by the people living around Fertile, Missouri. The citizens of the rural community, located a little more than an hour from St. Louis, are often without electricity, and some even make a home out of abandoned structures and vehicles. The Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King are dedicated to serving this population. The small religious order provides everything from food and housing to social activities and spiritual guidance. For 57 years, Friends of the Rural Parish Workers has thrown an annual fall fashion show and luncheon to support this mission.
Friends of the Rural Parish Workers was founded by a committee of 12 women who started out as a bridge group. Wanting to use their time to give back to those in need, they decided to create the first charity fashion show in St. Louis. “Both the fashion show and the committee have continued to grow,” notes Katie Mentel, one of the co-chairs of this year’s event. “This is the most dynamic group of women I’ve ever worked with. I’m 27, and my co-chair is 87. It’s a wonderful illustration of how the passion for this mission has been passed down from generation to generation.”
The mission of the Rural Parish Workers has recently expanded to include the Rural Parish Clinic. Operated by volunteer health care professionals, the initiative provides mobile medical and dental care to income-qualifying adults without insurance at no cost. “The clinic provides health care to people who otherwise would not have access to it,” Mentel notes. “While it has been one of the biggest missions of the Rural Parish Workers recently, they continue to support Washington County through programs like food drives and operating their thrift store. There are many ways they provide help for friends in need.”
This year’s Friends of the Rural Parish Workers Fashion Show is Oct. 11 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, and tickets are available now. The work of the Rural Parish Workers would not be possible without the support of groups like the committee. “Last year, we were able to donate $150,000 through the fashion show,” Mentel says. “Without those funds, the clinic would not be able to operate, and other services would be impossible. Our brothers and sisters in Washington County are so close to us, yet we so often don’t see the struggles of their daily lives. Supporting them really does make a difference.”
Mentel notes that the event would not be possible without the committee’s partnership with West County Center. Stores at the Des Peres shopping center like Banana Republic, Evereve, Gap, Macy’s, MOD on Trend and more provide all of the clothing worn in the show. West County Center senior marketing director Sean Phillips adds that the enthusiasm goes both ways: “Participating in events that raise money for important causes is part of our work as a community partner. West County Center is privileged to be able to partner with organizations that are helping the greatest number of people in the region as possible.”
The Rural Parish Workers of Christ The King work to aid residents in the surrounding area of Fertile, Missouri . Hosted in partnership with West County Center, the annual Friends of the Rural Parish Workers Fashion Show and luncheon is Oct. 11 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Pictured on the cover: Julie Dubray, Ann Meyer, Sean Phillips, Katie Mentel. For more information or to register, visit friendsofrpw.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: West County Center senior marketing director Sean Phillips
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
