Male models a hit at fashion show
Charity event raises money to support young women
A dozen debonair men strutted their stuff for charity at the 2016 Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley’s 6th annual Fashion Show.
And more than 300 women seated at about 30 luncheon tables around the fashion show’s runway at the Hyatt Regency Valencia loved it.
Shortly after noon Sunday, the Favorite Male Model Contest began to wild applause.
“They do pay a fee to be a model,” Rebecca Johnston, president of the Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, said as lunch was wrapping up.
“Whoever gets picked to be the Favorite Top Model gets a crown and a scepter,” she said. “But they are all very handsome.”
About mid-afternoon, Jeff Meyer, co-owner of Pathway Financial Consultants, was crowned SCV’s Favorite Top Model.
“I don’t believe he was crying and there was no bouquet, but he won,” said organizer Sue Tweddell.
While the men were duking it out on the runway, backstage in the changing room, each of them confessed to having a great time.
“I saw the look in women’s eyes,” said model Michael E. Fox, an architectural project manager. “I saw the look in their eyes when Russ (Briley) came out. It was a look of hunger in their eyes.”
To which model Briley, the executive vice president of community relations and audience development for Signal Multimedia who was seated nearby, said: “I saw the look in my wife’s eyes, and I’m sure she wanted them to take me.”
The male models included: Meyer; Briley; Fox; Homayoun Daryani, owner of Persia Lounge & Restaurant; Marco Pelaez, vice president of operations at AMS Fulfillment; and Myles McNamara, who owns Comfort Keepers in Santa Clarita.
The other competing models were: Shane Wanjon, a local small business owner; Ramzi Azar, owner of Ro Ma Jewelers; Steven Sturgeon, who is involved in several SCV nonprofits; Dr. Taylor J. Levine; Vincenzo Marino, KHTS AM1220 staff writer; and Willy Arroyo, a professional dance coach.
Although the annual event features several other attractions, including a boutique and a silent auction, the main event proved to be the fashion show — which saw several women share the runway with the men.
Men and women carried off a full afternoon promoting the fashions of Santa Clarita Valley clothiers on the runway.
The top model was crowned for having accumulated the most votes based on donations.
As in previous years, the Soroptimists featured the “Dream It, Be It” program in honor of a number of young women mentored through the Val Verde Community Center.
Event attendees had a chance to “Sponsor a Young Lady” by purchasing them a ticket.
One attendee, Kerri Emmer, said her favorite aspect of the event was helping young women.
“I think it’s wonderful the exceptional work they (Soroptimists) do with young girls,” she said. “It’s such a commitment.”