(May 15, 2012) Sellersville, Pa – More than 140 women came out with friends, moms, and daughters to see the latest bright and bold new styles for summer at Grand View Hospital Auxiliary’s “Dress Up with Mom” fashion show and luncheon.  The fundraising event benefits Grand View’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and was held Mother’s Day weekend at Franconia Heritage Restaurant Banquet and Conference Center.

Women’s boutique Chico’s of Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley provided the stylish fashions.  “We are so glad to be here helping raise funds for a great cause,” said Gwen Sagula of Chico’s, who shared style secrets with the crowd as she introduced each model.  Auxiliary members and employees of Grand View Hospital donned eye-catching prints and solids in bright hues like “loyal blue” and “caliente coral.”

This year’s fashion show raised more than $2,500 which will become part of the Auxiliary’s annual gift to the hospital made every June.  This year’s gift is designated for Grand View’s Level II NICU, which opened in January.  The NICU keeps sick and premature newborns near their families while receiving specialized care at Grand View.  “We truly appreciate the community’s continued support of our events, which helps make Grand View Hospital programs and services possible,” Auxiliary president Darlene Leidy said.  In 2011 the Auxiliary gave $150,000 to support Emergency Department expansion and renovation.

As the models showed off head-to-toe collections complete with statement-making accessories, Sagula explained how to create different looks with a few key pieces perfect for work, travel, and casual summer days.  She said, “We had a blast outfitting the models. They were a lot of fun.” Event sponsors included North Penn Polishing & Plating; Alderfer, Inc. / Leidy’s, Inc.; and American Heritage Federal Credit Union.  Make-up for the fashion show models was provided by independent Mary Kay consultant Geraldine Schmidt.  Additionally, many other companies and individuals donated auction items.  “We appreciate the community’s support and hope everyone who attended had as much fun as we did,” Leidy said.

Upcoming Auxiliary fundraising events include: 39th Annual Grand View Hospital Golf Tournament at Lederach Golf Club — June 1 Merry Go Run 5K Race in Menlo and Lenape Parks (includes a family fun walk/run) to benefit Grand View Hospice — October 7 Festival of Lights — A festive winter holiday program honoring or memorializing a loved one — December 5
For more information about these events and how to get involved, please call the Grand View Hospital Auxiliary at 215-453-4381 or visit www.gvh.org.  The Auxiliary supports Grand View’s efforts throughout the community by promoting good health practices and raising funds to ensure that the hospital is able to continue its mission of making quality health care available to area residents.

Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery Counties with comprehensive health care services since 1913. Grand View offers a range of care – particularly emphasizing the areas of cancer treatment, women's and children's health, surgery, orthopaedics, and heart and vascular care.