Men In Paradise Fashion Show  To Raise Money For Samuel’s House

Some of Key West’s most debonaire and dashing men, young and old alike, will take part in the Sixth Annual Men in Paradise Fashion Show and Luncheon, taking place at 11 a.m. on Nov. 14, in the ballroom of the Mariott Beachside Hotel, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

The event is a benefit for Samuel’s House, which provides shelter for homeless women, women with children, and intact families.

“This show is really a very different experience for people,” said Samuel’s House Fundraising Coordinator Tanya Leto. “It’s really a lot of fun, and classy. This year, as always, a lot of really great local men are giving up their time to help our program.”

Among the new participants this year is well-known Key West lawyer – and Michael Halpern.

“I thought that the over-60 set could use little more representation,” said Halpern, who also serves on the Samuel’s House board of directors. “I’m truly happy to take part, as I’m also a strong supporter of the Samuel’s House program, which I consider to be one of the most importan charitable organizations in the Florida Keys.”

Back in contention for the title of King of Men in Paradise, is local photograher Larry Blackburn, who has taken part in the show for the past four years.

“I’m doing this again because I’ve always thought that Samuel’s House really puts itself out there to provide a hand up to people,” said Blackburn, who is also a Samuel’s House board member. “There are a lot of people out there who have been dealt a bad hand, and maybe made some bad mistakes. This program gives them a second chance.”

Other men taking part in the show include Frank Toppino, Johnny Ortiz, Rick Lopez, Mike Litrenta, Shawn Montgomery, Nick Mazza. Viktor Slavov, Rick Gage, Clayton Lopez, Mark Schoonover, Ryan Basescu, Daren Cassani, Shawn Richardson, Robert Lockwood, and Tommy Taylor.

Over the years, Men in Paradise has grown to become one of the “must attend” events of the Key West season.

“This year we’re getting a lot of phone calls from men who want to take part in ths show,” Tanya Leto said. “And we have a nice variety of men of all ages and sizes. The best part of all is that all of them wan to do what they can to help others get back on their feet, and ensure than not one child or family will have to sleep on the street, or worry about where their next meal is coming from.”

A limited numberof 12-person VIP tables are still available, at a cost of $60 per person. General admission tickets cost $40.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, call Tanya Leto at 305-296-0240, or email [email protected]

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