On October 22, 2023, the Servite High School community came together for its 65th annual Fashion Show, Boutique, and Luncheon at the Anaheim Marriott. The theme of the event, "Bloom in His Grace," was beautifully embodied by our 2023 models. It was an absolute pleasure to witness the young men of Servite High School step into the spotlight alongside their mothers, as well as a select group of senior students from Rosary Academy.

This longstanding tradition of a fashion show extravaganza encompassed a luncheon, live auction, silent auction, including a luxury online auction, opportunity basket raffles, a trip raffle, a boutique with numerous vendors, and much more. The event was a vibrant tapestry of experiences, catering to all tastes and interests.

Every aspect of this event bore the personal touch of a Servite Friar. As a token of appreciation, each guest received a custom holiday ornament handcrafted by Servite's award-winning robotics department. This blend of tradition and innovation perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Servite community.

For many, this fashion show tradition may seem like a routine annual event, but for the Servite community, it serves as the bedrock of our advancement fundraising efforts. The funds raised during this event will play a pivotal role in providing financial aid and an exceptional education to the young men of Servite High School.

This event was not merely an afternoon of merriment; it was a gathering of our community, uniting for the purpose of supporting our mission of educating, and nurturing Faith-Filled Leaders of tomorrow. The event raised over $300,000 to provide tuition assistance to students in need and to support student programs.

Months of dedicated effort went into meticulously planning and executing this event, from the models mastering their cues to coordinating the various elements. An event of this magnitude is no easy feat to organize, but thanks to the unwavering support of event co-chairs Elizabeth Hooper and Liza Munzner, a 120-person parent committee, the Servite administration and advancement teams, and countless other unnamed supporters, Servite managed to host an extraordinary event. 

"Servite High School is deeply grateful to our volunteer committee for organizing such an exceptional event," said President Stephen Walswick. "The tremendous success of the Servite Fashion Show is truly an example of the strength of our community and investment in the formation of young men in Southern California."

Event sponsors included CTA Travel, Happy Jewelers, C & L Refrigeration, LA Galvanizing, Salinas Tires, and Farmers & Merchants Bank, as well as numerous parents, alumni, and friends.

The days leading up to the event were marked by a poignant focus for the Servite community as we recently lost a beloved senior brother, Jack Kennedy, who passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness. In his honor, we began the show with a moment of silence for Jack and his family. The way our seniors came together in times of great despair and grief exemplifies the unique and closely-knit nature of the Servite community.

After a weekend-long event, it is more evident than ever that this brotherhood is one that will endure forever.

One of the most touching moments of the Servite Fashion Show was watching our Servite students interact with their model mothers. As the fashion show reached its heartwarming conclusion, there was hardly a dry eye in the ballroom when our senior models took a final walk down the runway with their elegant mothers, symbolizing the deep and enduring connections between mothers and sons.

We are incredibly blessed to have a generous community committed to keeping the young men of Servite at the forefront of their philanthropic giving. We'd like to thank our numerous sponsors, underwriters, and donors. Their support is instrumental in making our dreams of education and personal growth a reality. 

In a world that often feels tumultuous, this theme reminds us that wherever life plants us, we should always strive to bloom with grace, spreading positivity, love, and faith.