The Celebration of Life Fashion Show started in 1995. The idea for the Fashion Show came after inaugural chair Jeri Olivas was diagnosed with cancer. This diagnosis inspired Jeri and her two girlfriends Shirley Lavorato and Karen Fanoe who had the vision to hold a fashion show to raise awareness, nurture a mutual support network and demonstrate ways for breast cancer survivors to boost their spirits by looking their best grew into the American Cancer Society Fashion Show and Luncheon.
Over the years the Fashion Show has raised an average of $30,000 per year. In 2005, the show grew and raised over $40,000 and in 2008 the fashion raised nearly $70,000. Past chairs for the Fashion Show include Jeri Olivas, Nat, and Val Cacciotti, Karen Fanoe, Diane Rogers, Karen Curtis, Molly Joest, and Linda Micheletti. In 2023, the fashion show raised over $346,000. 00.
The fashion show has become one of the better-known fundraisers in the Monterey community, selling over 450 tickets annually. The strength of this event lies in the fact that it is a mission-driven event focusing on cancer survivors and celebrating the hope they bring us. The event honorees were also well-known well-respected members of the community, and each had been touched by cancer. The event has been featured in local Travel and Leisure Magazine named Carmel. The themes have all worked and are well received.
One of the founders of this event was Shirley Lavorato, whom we lost in 2020. Shirley was a selfless and generous advocate for those that needed support, aid, and community – her impact will last generations.
