Sarah Bartley has moved on from her outstanding seven-year tenure at Catholic Charities North, an organization based in Lynn, to a position as director of development at United Way of the North Shore.
But Bartley made her final curtain call a memorable one, heading the organization’s planning committee for the fourth annual Fashion Forward for Education fashion show that was held Thursday night at the Danversport Yacht Club.
When the event was first held four years ago, it drew just more than 100 guests. Thursday’s event drew close to 500 people from throughout the region, raising thousands of dollars for this organization that not only provides educational opportunities but also provides emergency food, housing, and utility assistance to disadvantaged individuals.
The success of this event is emblematic of the important role that Sarah Bartley performed with professionalism and grace in this organization but also the outstanding leadership of the entire agency by Executive Director Virginia Doocy. Event Chair Michelle McGuiness also merits praise for her commendable efforts this endeavor.
The fashion show itself was exciting with well-known Lynn businessman/philanthropist David Solimine Sr. and Councilor-at-Large Brendan Crighton making appearances as models on the runway. (David received arguably the largest ovation of the night from his many friends in the audience). It was nice to see Salem State University President Patricia Maguire Meservey and State Sen. Joan Lovely also helping out this agency as well.
To Sarah Bartley, we say thank you for a job well done at Catholic Charities North and we believe that former Lynn Swimmer of the Year and Williams College graduate Michelle Kurkul will work hard to continue the excellence that you established in your capacity at the agency.