STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Diane paraded down a runway that stretched nearly the length of the Senior Connection, wearing a Sersha faux fur vest. Laura wore a black velvet Leeza sequin dress that sparkled with every step.

Sara strutted the runway in a festive champagne down Hayes puffer paired with gold and black Jacquard pants featuring a woven-in design and a cotton Arlette turtleneck. And Patrick happily modeled a sporting-inspired quilted Upland jacket with suede and corduroy trim paired with a cashmere Henry quarter zip and red plaid shirt—perfect for a casual mountain town look.

The fashion show, which featured 11 outfits from JMcLaughlin’s winter resort wear, was the latest in a long string of holiday fashion shows The Senior Connection has staged. It was the first for Sarah Howe and JMcLaughlin’s Ketchum store.

JMcLaughlin offered 25 percent off sweaters at its shop, including the signature cashmere Dinas featured in the fashion show, while giving 15 percent of sales related to the show to The Senior Connection.

“The evening is just a fun way to get out and enjoy fashion, food and community,” said Jovita Pina, executive director of The Senior Connection.

Chef Sky Barker prepared a long, long table of colorful appetizers artfully displayed, followed by another table of beautifully crafted sweets. And Morgan Ballis, who is about to assume the role of Blaine County Sheriff, poured wine for the ladies—and men.

Pilar Lindahl, a longtime Spanish teacher at Sun Valley Community School, said she liked to support The Senior Connection whenever she could.

“My mother was from Spain and she could not speak a word of English when she came,” she said. “They took care of her, picked her up in the bus every day and always made sure she had the right shoes to walk on ice. She thought it was the best place.”

Betty Green has made a habit of modeling in her senior years from modeling for the annual Senior Connection Fashion Show to modeling at the Funky Fashion Show that boasts wacky outfits made out of plastic and other items to raise awareness for nonprofits.

“I’m not a Paris model, but I love putting clothes on and walking down the runway,” she said. “It’s a fun time showing off the clothes for all the people that are out there. I just tell others who want to model: Have a little confidence but not too much.”