The "Parade of Fashions" strolls down the runway at the Chase Park Plaza for Sheer Elegance No.18.

“The Parade of Fashions” marched across the Chase Park Plaza runway at the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club’s Sheer Elegance No.18 Fashion Show on Dec. 16.  The show featured red-hot Macy’s fashions, exciting door prizes, and recognition for community leaders and youth.

Event chair Melanie Dileo, vice president, community affairs, Citigroup St. Louis Contributions, announced that the fund-raiser generated more than $130,000 for the organization’s Girls’ Program.  The Club’s President, CEO & Co-Founder Martin Mathews expressed his appreciation to the 60-member Development Committee and entire St. Louis community for their support.  In his remarks, he also announced that the show was dedicated in memory of long-time Emeritus Director and Girls’ Program benefactor Charles “Big Charlie” Ruprecht.  Earlier that afternoon, Macy’s Midwest President & Chief Operating Officer Brian Keck provided special remarks during the newly created Red Carpet Reception.

Lead Works Productions President and Club Alumnus Jamie "King James" Dennis performs "Get on Down to Macy's." Mathews-Dickey Co-Founder Martin Mathews, 2007 Girls' Program Honoree Benetta Ward and Macy's President & COO Brian Keck.

These young women played a key role in wowing 1,000 spectators during the grand parade.  As “Dance of the Sugar Plumb Fairy” played, 10 little girls dressed as Christmas elves magically appeared.  A specially commissioned “The Parade of Fashions” jingle by Lead Work Productions President & Club Alumnus Jamie “King James” Dennis jump-started the parade, with 10 young women attired as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon characters, 18 Girls’ Program Honorees and Santa Claus joining the on-stage hoopla.  The honorees also performed a featured dance routine and King James rapped “Get On Down to Macy’s” for the fabulous finale showcasing the store’s exclusive private clothing lines.

The Girls’ Program Honorees, accompanied by a host of distinguished celebrity escorts, during the show’s introduction were:  CoreyAnn Burns, 12, Cheerleading; Alexandria Butler, 17, Choir; Kate Christman, 17, Basketball; Lynette Clay, 14, Volunteer Tutorial; Tyler Eastman, 14, Modeling; Dalila Franklin, 17, Summer Day Camp; Ashley Hall, 12, Computer Literacy Instruction Program; Stephanie Hart, 15, PR & Special Events;  Brittany Levi, 17, Dance; Cherlier McClendon, 15, Motivation Vocation Preparation; Courtney McIntyre, 17, Sports; Brittnay Montgomery, 16, The Sky is the Limit; Brittany Morris, 17, Community Service; Gabrielle Ray, 14, Health & Wellness; Amber Tillman, 16, Earn & Learn; Brittany Toliver, 17, Cultural Arts; YaShure’ Tucker, 16, Young Women In Leadership; Benetta Ward, 17, After-School. 

In recognition of their civic and community contributions, the Sheer Elegance Award was presented to Allison Collinger, director corporate communications & community outreach, St. Louis Rams, Inc.; Dr. Cleveland Hammonds, Jr., superintendent — retired, St. Louis Public Schools; and Buck.  Veteran Broadcaster and Honorary Chair Wendy Wiese was also a part of the award slate, but was unable to be in attendance due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict.

Major sponsors are Macy’s Midwest, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., BJC HealthCare, Citigroup, Joan Callis, Susan and Irl Engelhardt, John and Alison Nichols Ferring, The Gerhman Foundation and The Monsanto Fund.  Nettie’s Flower Garden was the exclusive floral sponsor.  The Girls’ Program provides educational, social, cultural, and sports programs for 10,000 young women annually.  For more information, contact Washington or Bill Fronczak at (314) 382-5952, ext. 234.

See History of Sheer Elegance.

Federated Executive Terry Lundgren with Sheer Elegance founder Barbara Washington at Macy's September 2006 Grand Opening in St. Louis.

As co-emcees, KPLR-TV's Christine Buck and KTVI Fox 2's Bonita Cornute kept the crowd entertained from the Red Carpet Reception to the Fashion Finale.