Giving back always in style at Jewish Pavilion Fashion Show

With the average volunteer model aged 40 years plus, the Jewish Pavilion's "Spring into Fashion" held at Bloomingdales' in Orlando on Feb. 5 showcased beauty and fashions for all ages. More than 100 women gathered at the eighth annual Jewish Pavilion Fashion Show for a morning of friendship, food, fashion and fun. A handful of Pavilion volunteers, ranging from college students to retirees, graciously served as runway models as event commentator, Rachel Jensen, shared the latest seasonal fashion trends.

Event honoree Marci Gaeser served as event coordinator and also as a volunteer model. "Marci graced the podium and the runway with her usual unstoppable style," noted Jewish Pavilion Executive Director Nancy Ludin. "This mother of four and young grandmother has a flair for working with people and unwavering energy for our mission for enhancing the lives of our elders. We are so grateful to Marci for coordinating the fashion show, co-chairing the gala, spending time with our seniors, and her generous sponsorship of this event with husband, Jeff."

Friends Board President Faye Novick, provided opening remarks and introduced the honoree. She stated, "Marci Gaeser joined the Friends Board two years ago and hit the ground running. She is a fabulous wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and a friend. She is a superb, efficient, detailed organizer who gets each and every job accomplished. Marci has worked endlessly and tirelessly for the Jewish Pavilion and the Jewish community, and is a role model for everyone in this room."

Gaeser took her turn on the podium, crediting her parents and in-laws with the inspiration for her volunteerism. She shared that she first learned about the "great work of the Pavilion" when her mother-in-law, the late Rebecca Gaeser, received its services and attention as a resident at Brookdale/Horizon Bay. Her father, the late Jerry Miller, inspired her to get involved in the community, and role-modeled giving back throughout his lifetime. The visibly moved honoree expressed appreciation for everyone who helped make the event possible including Bloomingdale's, and Jennifer Bentson, its public relations specialist. Additional acknowledgements went to the volunteer models, and the 100+ participants who made a fashion statement out of giving back to Orlando's elder-care community.