From the littlest youngsters to senior citizens, Allen County residents turned out to strut their stuff on stage while wearing the latest in thrift store fashion.
The Iola Senior Citizens Inc. Thrift Store offered a fun-filled afternoon fundraiser on Sunday at the North Community Building. The goal was to raise money to help finish the interior of a new addition at the thrift store.
The event raised a little over $600.
“It was great,” Dimity Lowell, who handles public relations for the board, said. “It’s definitely something we would consider doing annually.”
Lowell literally shined as the show’s emcee, wearing a sparkly jacket over an all-black outfit and black heels. She introduced each model and described the outfits they wore. All outfits were found at the thrift store and are available for sale.
Each model took the stage to pose before taking a turn on the catwalk, where they stood briefly for more poses and photos on a small platform near the audience.
In addition to the modeling activity, the event also included a silent auction and performances from Miss Chelsea’s Dance Studio, along with refreshments.
CONSTRUCTION crews recently completed construction of the 30-foot by 40-foot metal addition at the thrift store, 223 N. State St., and staff are using it.
But more work remains: The building needs electricity and lighting, Sheetrock and insulation, heating and cooling units, and concrete for a walk-through section between the addition and the main building.
Electric work was expected to take place this week.
Lowell previously estimated it could take up to $30,000 to finish the building.
She hopes to have an open house this summer, possibly on June 1. 
