^{Ron Mallory and Greg Schirmer from the Servite class of 1986 enjoyed watching their wives and senior sons on the runway. Left to right: Marisa Mallory, Ron Mallory, Michael Mallory, Matthew Schirmer, Rana Schirmer, Greg Schirmer. Photo courtesy of Servite High School.}

CLOSE TO 750 SERVITE parents, alumni and students gathered on Nov. 9 at the Anaheim Hilton for the Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon, featuring Servite men and their mothers modeling the latest fashions.

This year’s event drew inspiration from the legacy of the Servite Fathers, who founded Servite High School in Fullerton in 1958. The Servite Order began with seven wealthy textile merchants in 13th-century Florence who set aside their fortunes and the era’s political turmoil to dedicate their lives to fraternity, service and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. More than seven centuries later, the Servite Fathers continue to shape young men’s character.

Shortly after the school’s founding, Servite moms began fundraising, starting with a tea and later evolving into a fashion show and luncheon. It is now the school’s
largest annual fundraiser. Steffanie Early, vice president of Advancement, estimates that this year’s event will net about $400,000, all of which will go directly into scholarships and student support.

A highlight of the day is the boutique, where 36 vendors donate 20% of their proceeds plus booth fees, raising a substantial portion of the event’s funds.

“Ours is one of the largest boutique fundraisers in Orange County—it’s well known among retailers,” shared Boutique Co-Chair Julie Gonzales. “We welcomed several new vendors this year, including treats for pets.”

Servite is truly a family affair, marked by strong parent engagement, especially from mothers.

Yvette Vasquez, mother of four boys (the oldest, a sophomore, was an event host), is active in the school’s Mother’s Day of Reflection and Prayer event.

“My husband and I want our sons to attend a school where they can find their purpose in life with Jesus,” said Yvette.

Alina Fernandes’ daughter attends Rosary Academy but participates in coed events like the fashion show, where she served as a hostess.

“There is a great brotherhood and sisterhood between Servite and Rosary,” Fernandes shared.

Marisa Mallory and her son, Michael, were among 11 mother-son teams on the runway.

“The community is amazing and very supportive,” said Marisa, who is also a football team mom and leads the Every 15 Minutes Program, which educates students on the dangers of drinking and driving. “Working on the fashion show helped me meet other moms.”

Her husband, Ron Mallory, is the current president of the Alumni Association.

Crissy Rogers is completing her second year as co-chair, working alongside Beth McCreary, who will take over next year.

“I was so lucky to work with Crissy this year,” said McCreary. “She knows all the ins and outs of organizing such a successful event.”

Servite Principal Nancy Windisch knows Servite both as a mother of two graduates and as an administrator, serving as principal since 2024.

“What differentiates Servite from public schools is how we challenge our students to lead with confidence and integrity,” she shared. “Our classes are designed to suit boys’ learning styles, with active, hands-on engagement.”

At Servite, it is often said that students enter the school as boys but graduate as men.

President Stephen Walswick said the fashion show, “is a shining testament to who we are at Servite. We all come together to support the mission. We teach the value of stewardship and, like the parable of the talents, encourage our Friars to use their gifts to support the school and become extraordinary men.”