Anna Ogden Hall Women Walk the Runway

By Valerie Horner, UGM Volunteer

This year’s Spokane-Eastern WA Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS Wellness Celebration and Rally decided to mix things up a bit. Instead of providing makeovers for some of their own members, the council reached out to various women in the community. Participants were chosen from Anna Ogden Hall, the YWCA, and The House of Charity to receive hair and makeup makeovers and two sets of new professional clothes and shoes.  They then participated in a fashion show during the October 19, 2015 REALTORS’ luncheon.  All proceeds from the $50 entrance fees went to local charities.

Many women wrote essays to enter into “Makeover Magic,” but only five were chosen, including Diane (Red) Tindal and Tracy Russell from Anna Ogden Hall.

“I wanted my outside to look as changed as my insides felt.”

“I wrote that I was willing to change,” Diane explained. Her smartly cropped hair still shines with the highlights and lowlights supplied by Karri Clute of Willow and Branch Salon.   

Tracy confided, “I wanted my outside to look as changed as my insides felt.” She added with a smile, “And I especially wanted my children to see the difference.”

Tracy had one and a half feet cut from her hair. The hair, the new makeup that Julie Farley from The Make-up Studio applied gave Tracy a new confidence in looking for a career.   The Project Beauty Share gave each woman a complete collection of makeup with instructions on how to use it. 

Rebecca Mielke of Lifestyle Strategies provided four weekly classes on how to put a total professional look together, including accessories, colors, and styles. She states in her course introduction that they will “come to understand their body as an artistic composition and learn how to use design principles to support their inherent beauty.” The Women’s Council of REALTORS, elected President Dianne Cromwell and Jody Carpine, the Council’s president elect, took the women on a fun shopping extravaganza at Ross, Nordstrom Rack, DSW Shoes, Dressbarn, and Lane Bryant. The Council paid for everything! 

“Not only did I gain self-esteem,” Diane shared, “but the five of us made close bonds of friendship for life.”

Self-confidence, good looks, and friendship all rolled up into one exciting experience. Thank you Woman’s Council of REALTORS for this wonderful gift.