Shore Auxiliary Fashion Show Delivers Style for a Cause

by Brian Cahill | May 15, 2026 | Views from the Shore, Somers Point, South Jersey

Just two days after celebrities walked the red carpet at the Met Gala in New York City, a different kind of fashion event took center stage closer to home, one featuring community volunteers, thrift shop treasures and support for local healthcare.On Wednesday, May 6, the Auxiliary of Shore Medical Center transformed the ballroom at The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City into its own version of a runway experience during the annual Thrift Shop Fashion Show.And for the second year in a row, I had the opportunity to be one of the volunteer models.While there may not have been paparazzi outside or designer security teams protecting million-dollar jewelry, there was plenty of excitement, style and energy inside the ballroom as guests gathered for brunch, shopping and fashion, all for a great cause.The elegant setting at The Flanders paired perfectly with the stylish looks showcased throughout the event. Volunteer models walked a runway created down the center of the ballroom, displaying clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories from Shore’s thrift shops in Somers Point and Marmora.The sold-out event drew a packed crowd eager to see the latest thrift stop finds before many of the items even reached the sales floor. Models showcased everything from casual spring outfits to designer handbags and boutique-inspired looks, proving that fashion and affordability can absolutely work together.According to Lisa DiTroia, director of the Auxiliary and Volunteer Services at Shore Medical Center, the fashion show raised over $15,000 for Shore Medical Center, surpassing last year’s total by more than $5,000. That’s an impressive accomplishment, especially for an event powered primarily by volunteers.“The fashion show really highlights the amazing donations we receive from the community,” DiTroia told me. “People are often surprised by the quality and variety of items that come into our thrift shops. But what really makes this event special is the incredible team of volunteers and employees behind it all. So many people work for months organizing the fashions, setting up the event and helping make it such a success for Shore Medical Center.”During the event, attendees saw recognizable designer brands, trendy accessories, unique jewelry and even brand-new items with tags still attached. Once the runway presentations ended, shoppers quickly filled the adjoining sales room hoping to grab their favorite pieces before someone else did. Many of the volunteer models even purchased the outfits they modeled.This year’s event at The Flanders added an extra layer of elegance to the experience. The hotel’s classic atmosphere complemented the fashionable looks on the runway, creating an event that felt upscale while still remaining warm, fun and community-focused.Most importantly, the day served as a reminder that supporting your local hospital can come in many forms, including through fashion, friendship and a great thrift stop find. Every purchase made through Shore’s thrift shops, operated by the Auxiliary of Shore Medical Center, directly benefits programs and patient care services at the hospital.If you haven’t visited Shore’s thrift shops yet, the Somers Point location is conveniently located in the Target shopping plaza, while the Marmora location can be found at 232 South Shore Road in the South Shore Plaza. You never know what hidden treasure you’ll find, and every purchase helps support healthcare close to home.

Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He also volunteers on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.

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