Aviva Valparaiso hosted its annual Glamour and Giving Superhero Fashion Show on Tuesday, September 29, bringing together community members and residents for an evening dedicated to local support. The event served as a fundraiser for 500 Turkeys, an organization committed to assisting families in need across Northwest Indiana through the provision of Thanksgiving meals, clothing, prayer, and year-round support. Monetary and canned goods donations collected during the fashion show were directed to this cause.
This celebration has quickly become one of the most anticipated events hosted by Aviva Valparaiso each year, drawing an audience to acknowledge local participants. Tricia Catlin, Aviva's director of sales, emphasized the event's core purpose: "This event is all about giving back to the community." Catlin noted Aviva Valparaiso's commitment to supporting the community where its staff and residents have personal connections, whether through work, upbringing, or raising families. She also stated that Aviva Valparaiso invites the broader Valparaiso community to participate, fostering support for its residents and contributing to the community established within Aviva Valparaiso.
Sponsorship for this year's show came from Heart to Heart Hospice, Life Care Center Valparaiso, and The Closet Exchange, each contributing to the success of the initiative. Catlin expressed gratitude for these partnerships. This year, all participating residents received flowers as a token of appreciation. This approach marked a change from the previous year's event, where judges presented awards for categories such as Most Creative Outfit, Best Outfit, Best Smile, Best Makeup, and Best Hair. Catlin explained the shift, stating, "all of them were winners, and we didn’t want anybody feeling less than somebody else. We want everyone to feel like they have contributed.”
The support for 500 Turkeys was a key component of the event. Catlin highlighted the importance of the organization's work, describing it as "great for the community." She also identified a goal of continuing to educate the public about 500 Turkeys, noting that many people are unaware of the organization's efforts. The donations gathered will aid 500 Turkeys in its mission to provide essential support to families throughout the region.
Beyond the fundraising aspect, the fashion show offered an opportunity to recognize Aviva Valparaiso residents. Catlin expressed hope that the event would provide a positive and lasting memory for participants, stating, "We hope this event gives everybody a good memory that they carry with them for the rest of their stay." Aviva Valparaiso prioritizes creating such events for both its residents and the wider Valparaiso community. The assisted living facility emphasizes providing outstanding care, comfort, enhanced health and happiness, an elevated quality of life, and a dynamic and welcoming environment for its community members. Catlin also noted her objective in hosting such events, which includes promoting Aviva Valparaiso to the community and encouraging participation. She added, "If we put on a fun event, we hope people will participate and find out more about us. We also involve the residents and give them a space to have fun.”