CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
SOUTH COUNTY — The fun and fabulous Trashion Show returns to King City for the third year. This year’s event promises to be even more exciting with a new theme, a new fashion presenter and over 22 unique one-of-a-kind dresses made from recycled and repurposed everyday trash.
The creativity is matched by the enthusiasm of the audience. Monterey County Sheriff Steve Bernal will begin the show with an official welcome to the anticipated 300-plus guests. He and King City Mayor Mike LaBarre will escort the models off the stage, where the audience will get a closeup view of the extraordinary designs.
The event takes place Thursday, Feb. 15, at 11:30 a.m. in the Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City. The show is a luncheon fundraiser to benefit Alliance on Aging (AOA), a nonprofit serving seniors throughout Monterey County, including the King City area, for 47 years.
AOA services are provided in English and Spanish at no cost to seniors, including tax preparation and assistance, Medicare information and counseling, long-term information and advocacy for the elderly living in care facilities, senior peer counseling and benefits checking for basic needs such as food, transportation and utilities.
“I am honored and excited to be the Fashion Presenter for the Trashion Show,” said Audra Vaccarezza, a fourth generation South County resident with deep roots in the community. “Trashion Show allows me the opportunity to give back to the community and recognize the importance of seniors.”
Vaccarezza will succeed Karen Fanoe, a native of San Ardo, who spearheaded the effort to bring Trashion Show to South County. Fanoe will be there to take on a special role just before the second half of the show.
Chris Benamati, a local business owner, could not agree more.
“Trashion Show is a good cause — it makes me feel good about helping my community,” Benamati said.
Trashion Show is also her creativity outlet, and Benamati will be designing two dresses for the event.
Alliance on Aging Executive Director Teresa Sullivan notes that tickets will sell out fast. To purchase tickets, call AOA at 831-655-1334. The cost is $65 per ticket, and tables of eight are available.