Seabrook's Resident Fashion Show is a Must-See Event

With a red-carpeted runway, gold and felt rope stanchions, and metallic decorative balloons, the stage is set for the resident fashion show at Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J.

The Seabrook fashion show is the brainchild of Linda Lee, who moved to the community nearly four years ago looking to escape the responsibilities of cooking, shoveling snow, and worrying about repairs. 

"Everything's done for you here," Linda explains. "I lived in upstate New York, in snow country. I didn't want to deal with that any longer. Plus, here, I'm never alone; there are always people to talk to and everyone's so friendly."

Fashion first

Soon after her move, she began making plans to bring a fashion show to the community. "I planned fashion shows in my previous life and it was great fun," she says. "This generation is used to attending fashion shows, and I wanted to bring the experience to Seabrook."

She joined forces with her neighbor Barbara Tanis-O'Neal, whom she met through the Seabrook Protestant Council, and together they formed a committee to launch the event. Now, more than 100 residents, dressed in their fanciest attire, attend each fashion show, eager to view the season's latest styles.

Making a plan

Like many residents, Linda and Barbara frequent Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, located just a mile from Seabrook. Since the first show in 2022, they've partnered with Chico's, a women's clothing and accessories retailer. 

In addition to providing the fashions and an announcer for the show, all of the resident models are fitted at Chico's the week prior to the event. Following the show, Chico's offers a discount to anyone bringing their ticket to the store. 

Last fall, the fashion show was expanded to include clothing from White House Black Market and Soma.

Bringing people together

"The fashion show is a great community effort," says Mark Maccaroni, Seabrook's resident life manager. "It provides our residents the chance to try on and model the latest fashions, enjoy refreshments, and meet their neighbors. As our partner, it also gives retailers the chance to gain additional exposure with our residents."

At the most recent fashion show, 15 resident models walked down the runway, with a special surprise. PS Salon, located at Seabrook, provided complimentary hair styling and manicures, making the models feel special and appreciated.

Events are special

"Our residents are proud to dress up and celebrate fashion for the day. It's a dynamic event that they look forward to each season," says Maccaroni. "Events like this are incredibly special in our community. They bring our residents together in a different way than our regular day-to-day activities."

He adds, "The resident models felt pampered. It added another element to the experience." 

Finding friends

Over the last three years, the Seabrook fashion show has continued to grow in popularity. As a result, this past season, Linda and Barbara decided to hold the event on two consecutive days, enabling more residents the opportunity to attend. 

Like many activities at Seabrook, the fashion show is a wonderful social event. 

"It's a fun social hour and a great chance for our residents to meet people and make new friends. That's why we spread friend groups around the tables. They can mingle with people they don't know and make connections with residents who may be new to the community," says Maccaroni.

"It's an event that enables us to socialize and have a good time," adds Barbara. "We enjoy looking at the clothes, and once when I wore leather pants, everyone wanted to feel how soft the material was as I walked around the tables. That's what makes it fun."

In fact, the fashion show is such a popular event that, as soon as it ends, the cochairs are asked about the date of the next show. 

Lending a hand

Following the most recent show, the committee donated nearly $1,000 to Seabrook's Resident Care Fund, which supports Erickson Senior Living's "Home for Life promise." 

The Resident Care Fund provides financial assistance to those who, through no fault of their own, outlive their resources.

"We're helping ourselves and know that it's there for those in need," Barbara says. 

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.