If you don’t know about the Haddon Fortnightly, you should. Sometimes mistaken from the outside as a group of ladies who sit around and talk all day, the club is quite the opposite. The Haddon Fortnightly is actually a group of passionate women who are all about helping others and aiding in a ton of charity work. One of their biggest fundraising events is coming up in March.
The Evening Membership Department of the Haddon Fortnightly is hosting its Annual Luncheon/Fashion Show at the Tavistock Country Club on Saturday, March 7 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for the afternoon are $43. All proceeds from the event go toward the group’s philanthropic projects and donations.
“It’s a lovely, lovely afternoon. It’s a nice way to get into the spring fever so to speak,” Carol McConville, publicity chairman for the Evening Membership Department of the Haddon Fortnightly, said.
The theme, “Colors of Spring,” will feature fashions ranging from casual to formal wear. Fashions are provided from Talbot’s, Jay West and Sweet Children’s Boutique.
“It’s sunny in there, no matter what the weather is outside. It’s just a happy atmosphere,” McConville said.
This year, you may recognize someone on the runway. Members of the group as well as family members will be modeling the clothes on the T-shaped runway.
“This year, we are able to use our members and families of our members to model. It’s just really nice,” McConville said.
The fashion show is just a part of the event. From about 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be a cocktail hour and time for attendees to buy raffle tickets for beautiful baskets that are put together by members and include items and gift cards from local businesses, individuals and members.
A little after that, the lunch will begin. Provided by Tavistock, caesar salad, chicken piccata, veggies and chocolate mousse will be served. Following the lunch is the fashion show.
According to McConville, the afternoon is really enjoyable, not only for the fashion show and food, but because it is a fun social event. She said she and others have reunited with old co-workers and friends they haven’t seen in years. It has really become a nice social event to see friends you normally wouldn’t see.
“I look forward to it. I only get to see them around this time of year because of this event,” McConville said.
However, one can see the attendees more often if they join the Haddon Fortnightly. The club is always looking for new members, and this event is just one way they get donations to help fund projects and other organizations in need.
The Haddon Fortnightly helps and donates time to around 60 charities each year ranging from local to national organizations. It has recently been trying to focus on the local community. Some local organizations it helps are food banks, with women volunteering there and bringing food there once a month, as well as the public library, fire and ambulance companies, teen pregnancy houses and more.
Unfortunately, some people don’t know the Haddon Fortnightly exists.
“Some people don’t know we exist, and everyone is so supportive of each other. These ladies are really passionate about helping others. We’re philanthropic; we thrive on helping others. It’s amazing how they rise to the challenge every time,” McConville said.
With just 86 members last year, the Fortnightly gave out about $14,825. This year, it hopes to do more. Those who attend the event will have the opportunity to learn more about the Haddon Fortnightly.
“We hope they feel they had a very enjoyable afternoon, plus they’re helping a good cause,” McConville said.
For tickets and more information, call Ann at (856) 795–0460. The deadline for ticket reservations is Monday, March 2.
