Karen Fitzpatrick celebrates the Hat-Palooza theme with her homemade Bazooka Joe foam hat. Photo by Leslie Truluck

AVALON –– The Cape Women’s Resource Fund held its sixth annual luncheon fashion show April 6 at the Golden Inn.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Cape May County Clerk Rita Marie Fulginiti, Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters and county Communications Director Lenora Boninfante meandered through tables modeling fashions from Talk of the Walk.

The event featured a no-bid silent auction with proceeds benefiting the educational and civic programs of Cape Women’s Resource Fund, the Cape May County Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the League of Women Voters of Cape May County.

“We bring together women from all over the county,” said Trustee Barbara St. Clair.

The Women’s Resource Fund, Inc. has existed since July 1991 and works to benefit women in Cape May County by encouraging “the development of programs for the cultural, educational, civic and social advancement of women.”

The fund gives several $1,000 scholarships to women in Cape May County.

“This is not a social organization, we are a working group of women who volunteer and raise money to help others,” Boninfante said.

“This is really a good group of women whose main purpose is to help other women,” said Walters.

Avalon Councilmember Nancy Hudanich attended in her capacity as Assistant Superintendent of the County Technical School District.
“This group does wonderful things for education in the county,” she said. “I came to support their efforts and have a good time.”

Founding Co-Chair Peggy Quinn said the group wants to differentiate themselves from other fashion show luncheon fundraisers so they decided on the “Hats Off to Women” theme.

“The hats make it festive and it’s a great excuse to wear one and not feel embarrassed,” said Trustee Barbara Tomalino.

Some were glamorous, others funny, a few were plain and though it was a rainy day it didn’t keep these women from donning their favorite headdress.

AAUW member Lee Smythe dug out her Chinese Red Army hat and “resurrected it for the occasion.”

Barbara Heinrichs wore a hat of cane weaving she believes could be antique but she’s certain “it’s one of a kind.”

“It’s fun to get all dressed-up and wear hats to celebrate spring,” Fulginiti said.

Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 Ext 24 or at: ltruluck @cmcherald.com.