Fashion fundraiser 'reflects values of Rose of Tralee'
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Dharma Kiernan, Nadija Postemska, Tanya Bulakh, Caoilfhinn Nì Choiligh, Colette Mulligan and Lindsey O’Callaghan at the Fashion Fundraiser in Vila Mullingar on Friday evening.Image 2 of 9
Lindsey O'Callaghan and Evelyn Ronan at the Fashion Fundraiser in Vila Mullingar.Image 3 of 9
Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh offering styling tips at her fundraiser in Vila, where she works as her day job.Image 4 of 9
Brigid McCormack and Mary Clarke from Knockdrin.Image 5 of 9
Saoise Cleary and Tia Clarke from Mullingar enjoying the Fashion Fundraiser.Image 6 of 9
Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh from Mullingar and Catalina Cretu from Kinnegad.Image 7 of 9
Chloe Rogers from Rochfortbridge, Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh from Mullingar, and Paulina Olanrewaju from Mullingar.Image 8 of 9
Dolores Kirby and Deirdre Fallon from Castletown Geoghegan.Image 9 of 9
Raffle Prizes at the Fashion Fundraiser in Vila Mullingar.Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh wanted to do something that brought together women for a cause that supports women, she said of the fashion fundraiser she hosted on Friday evening.
Caoilfhinn’s event in aid of Esker House held at Vila in Mullingar combined fashion styling with fundraising. The evening attracted a full attendance after all 30 available tickets sold out in advance, while additional funds were raised through a raffle supported by local businesses.
Guests were welcomed with food and refreshments before receiving seasonal styling advice, guidance on dressing for different body types, as well as helpful tips on incorporating new fashion trends into existing wardrobes.
Westmeath Rose Caoilfhinn, who works at Vila Mullingar, said the fundraiser was inspired by her experience of helping customers feel more confident through fashion while working in the shop. “I wanted to do something that brought together the women who have supported me over the years while raising money for a cause that supports women,” she said.
She said the event reflected the values of the Rose of Tralee, which promotes the empowerment and support of women. “Helping someone find clothes that make them feel confident and comfortable in themselves is something I see every day.
“I wanted to expand that into an event where people could come together, enjoy the evening and support a worthwhile cause.”
Caoilfhinn said she chose Esker House because of the support it provides to women affected by domestic violence. “It is an issue that remains prevalent, and the more awareness and support we can generate, the better,” she said.
Rather than opting for a traditional fundraising format, Caoilfhinn said she wanted to organise something more personal. “There are plenty of table quizzes and bingo nights, but I wanted to create something different that reflected what I enjoy and what I do every day,” she explained.
The fundraiser received significant backing from businesses across Mullingar, and prizes donated for the raffle included beauty hampers, designer sunglasses, restaurant vouchers, afternoon tea experiences, hair styling equipment and a range of local shopping vouchers. Among the prizes was a luxury Elizabeth Arden hamper valued at €400.
Caoilfhinn said the response from local businesses had exceeded expectations. “The support from businesses in Mullingar has been incredible. These are shops and businesses I pass every day, and they were all willing to contribute prizes. There is a real sense of community, and people are always willing to support one another.”