Fashion Show Benefits Local Students

Ashby Ponds retirement community hosted a fashion show in partnership with Stein Mart to raise funds for scholarships for local student employees at the community

(Ashburn, Va.) - Ashby Ponds residents coordinated and hosted a springtime fashion show and luncheon on Monday, March 31 in partnership with Stein Mart department store.  More than 175 attendees watched as ladies and gentlemen who reside at Ashby Ponds strutted down the runway at the Ashburn retirement community.  Net proceeds from the event totaled nearly $2000, which was donated to Ashby Ponds Scholars' Fund.  The fund provides scholarships to local students who work at the community. 
At Ashby Ponds, high school students from Loudoun County and Fairfax County work for the community's dining services department in a variety of capacities including as servers, restaurant assistants, and service coaches, among other positions.  In addition to gaining valuable work experience and earning a wage, students who work at least 1000 hours during their junior and senior years of high school may be eligible for up to a $4000 scholarship paid directly to the college or trade school of their choice.  Ashby Ponds has given nearly 40 scholarships to student employees since 2010.  This year, 25 student employees may be eligible for scholarships.
Ashby Ponds residents Bernita Taylor and Mary K. Gillis, directors of the show, worked with Stein Mart in Leesburg, Va. who selected the store's newest spring fashions for the event.  Other residents helped by providing a comedy act, vocal and piano music, and working on a variety of details behind the scenes.  Two additional annual events will be held this month to raise money for the Scholars' Fund: the duck derby at the community's indoor pool on April 11 and the community car wash on April 19.
About Ashby Ponds: Ashby Ponds, one of 17 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.). The community is home to over 725 residents and has over 120 resident-run and resident-driven clubs and groups, an indoor pool, a fitness club, transportation services, 24-hour security, and flexible dining options. More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.