Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/586182
PATRONS | Fall 2015 9 models regularly for a variety of shows. ey are handpicked based on the collection being shown. Models do their own hair and makeup to contain costs. Each model has a professional dresser to assist them. "Music is one of the most important elements of a show and sets the mood for the models and audience," Holmenas says. "e right music emphasizes the clothing and helps the models have fun while working the runway, which makes for a happy audience too." Holmenas uses the same technical crew each year. ey skillfully provide the set design, white runway flooring, audio and DJ. Another trademark feature of the show is its exquisite floral designs, from the unique arrangement that greets guests at the tent entrance to the beautiful centerpieces placed at each table where guests dine. e flowers are donated by Rolling Hills Flower Mart. ey are the artistic creations of mother-and-daughter team Christine Gaudenti and Chelsea Gaudenti. Christine has donated her arrangements to the Holiday Fashion Show and Gala for approximately 12 years. She was first introduced to the show as Gassner's guest. "I felt immediately compelled to become a part of these events and have been ever since," she says. Christine, a florist for the past 20 years, passed the torch to her daughter Chelsea last year. Chelsea has been involved in the family business for as long as she can remember. e Gaudentis must consider the availability of floral varieties and their durability during the month of December. ey also look at the theme of the collection being shown and trends in floral design. Also proud of their involvement with the Holiday Fashion Show are co-chairs, Nadine Bobit, Kelly Piken, Linda Perry and Nina Tarnay. All view themselves as ambassadors to promote the event to family, friends and the community. Bobit, a member of the Foundation board and executive committee, also volunteers in the Emergency Department at Torrance Memorial. Piken says, "I help with this popular community event as a way of supporting the hospital in a fun and meaningful way." Perry adds, "Millions of dollars have been raised for the hospital and I'm very proud to be associated with it." According to Tarnay, attending the Fashion Show is "a great way to start the holiday season by having a lunch date with friends and family. I also feel it's important to share with others what services the hospital offers and what they do for the community." New attendees are often surprised to learn that the models in the event are not all human. Canine members of Torrance Memorial's Pet Visitation Program parade down the runway with the Holiday Festival committee while adorned in holiday hats and garb. e only complaint one may have about the Holiday Festival Fashion Show is that when you leave the big white tent, your face just might hurt a bit from smiling so much. PROGESS NOTES Holiday Fes val Fashion Show co-chairs: Nina Tarnay, Linda Perry, Nadine Bobit and Kelly Piken get ready to walk the runway.