By Katie carvey
kscarvey@salisburypos.com
Mari Phillips told a group of more than 250 people at the annual Fashions for a Cause show that she was the new face of the clients at the Community Care Clinic of Rowan County.
Phillips told the group about how she and her husband had been on relatively solid financial ground when her husband became ill and then died unexpectedly after a bout with MRSA. Money became tight; she had to mortgage her home. She was able to find only part-time work and was not able to afford health insurance on her own.
Phillips said that she would not have had the resorces to get the kind of care she’s gotten at the Community Care Clinic, and she offered her gratitude to the clinic volunteers, and to those who support the clinic financially.
And that’s what Wednesday’s festive luncheon event at Catawba’s Peeler Crystal Lounge was all about — raising funds to benefit the clinic, which provides health care to uninsured and underserved patients without other medical care options.
Services include day and night clinics, basic healthcare for adults, chronic disease management, medications, vision care and dental care.
Founded in 1948, the alliance is comprised of physician spouses and continues to support health causes. Over the past 13 years, the local alliance has donated more than $120,000 to support clinic programs.
Merchants providing fashions and models were A Perfect Dress, Attractions On Main, Belk, Maia’s, Anne’s Dress Shop, Stitchin’ Post and Thread Shed Clothing. Dave Whisenant of WBTV served as the master of ceremonies and Joan Rusher entertained on the piano.
Models included Marlee Murphy, Nicole French, Brianna Brinkley, Trish Brinkley, Brenda Barnett, Kimberly Murray, Marie Weber, Madison Brown, Shannon Flowers, Jocelyn Escalona, Chrissy Chappelle, Janelle Rhodes, Mary-Scott Wood, Courtney Modlin, Julie Barnhardt, Kiera Fortner, Nicole Amos, Deb Young, Donna Mahaley, Anna Hobbs, Melissa Taylor, Bonzie Everson, Delores Thomas and Jane Hartsell. Child models were Lawson Veal, Ellery Veal and Thatcher Monroe. Physician models were Dr. Joel Goodwin, Dr. Leon Newman, Dr. Ranjan Roy, and Dr. David Smith. East Rowan High School students Jared Mathis and Luke Thomas also modeled. Patsy Reynolds reprised her role as Hat Lady.
Before the show, which had a butterfly theme, guests visited vendors’ booths with merchandise for sale. Represented were Caniche, Green Goat Gallery, Jackie Ford Designs, Stitchin’ Post, Thirty-One and Two Red Hens.
Cloninger-Ford-Toyota-Scion was the event’s major sponsor.
Area merchants donated more than 60 door prizes, and 42 raffle prizes were also distributed.
Co-chairs for the event were Mary Goodman, Joyce Goodwin and Wanda Smith. Committee members included Elizabeth Bergsma, Trish Brinkley, Mimi Carlton, Betsy Fazia, Libby Gish, Michelle Jones, Elizabeth Kaufmann, Lynn Mills, Natalie Murphy, Mary Perkins, Patsy Reynolds, Barbara Senter, Marlene Spencer, Krista Watts and Amy Wimmer.
Krista Watts and Marlene Spencer are 2010-2011 co-presidents of the local Rowan County Medical Society Alliance. Wanda Smith is vice-president elect of membership for the North Carolina Medical Society Alliance.