Fashion Show Raises Money for People with Disabilities

WKYC meteorologist Betsy Kling models spring fashions by Toni of Chagrin Falls during the annual Have a Heart for Hattie fashion show.

More More than 250 women throughout Northeast Ohio came out to the Twinsburg, Ohio, Hilton Garden Inn Feb. 7, 2009, to raise money for a good cause and to kick off the spring fashion season.

Through ticket sales and live and silent auctions, the Have a Heart for Hattie fashion show raised $26,500 for Hattie Larlham, a nonprofit organization that provides services to 1,500 people with developmental disabilities.

The show was organized by the Hattie Larlham League of Hudson, a charitable organization that since 1985 has raised more than $644,500 for Hattie Larlham.

Hudson League members Ginny Hicks and Pam Bellin co-chaired the event. Fashions were from Toni Hadad, a Chagrin Falls fashion buyer for the past 26 years. WKYC meteorologist Betsy Kling was also on hand, serving as this year’s host and celebrity model.

The show marked a special day for league member Carol Morgan. She was honored with the Joan Baechle Caring Heart Award. The award is given each year to a Hudson League member that demonstrates outstanding compassion and dedication to help better the lives of people with disabilities. Past winners include Barbara Faulkner, Leslie Saralino, Katie Koch, Mercy Sorgi, Kay Treend, Gretchen Greissing and Toni Orenga.

Have a Heart for Hattie models take one final strut down the runway.

Last year’s show raised more than $18,000. For more information, visit www.leagueofhudson.com.