Gorgeous Grandma Fashion Show at The Palace Gardens

July 23rd was National Gorgeous Grandma Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a Gorgeous Grandma fashion show?

The Palace Gardens Activities team, including the Assisted Living and Memory Care departments, managed the annual Gorgeous Grandma Fashion Show. Additional internal departments such as maintenance, patient assistants, and CNAs worked together to prepare the fashion show space and assist the participants. 

A wooden runway was set up in the middle of the main activities space with chairs surrounding it. The backdrop and entrance section for the models were beautifully decorated with columns and flowers. There were 11 models participating in the runway show. A unique feature of this fashion show was that the models represented participants from both the assisted living and memory care areas of Palace Gardens. It was important to activities directors Alejandro Medina and Olga Gonzalez that the fashion show included all participants. 

The models were chosen for their enthusiasm, although for many, it was their first time modeling. Makeup and preparation were done by Araceli Roche, one of the Palace Gardens nursing assistants. The ladies eagerly awaited the beginning of the show. 

Minerva Cordero explained, “I always wanted to be a model, but my mom didn’t let me.” This was a chance for her to live out a childhood dream. Once on the runway, she put on a show and walked to cheers from the audience.

Medina served as the event’s MC, introducing each lady by name, stating when they became a grandma, how many grandchildren and great-grandchildren they have, their favorite color, and the industry they worked in before retirement. The crowd enthusiastically cheered as the models walked the runway, with many receiving assistance from Palace Gardens staff to navigate the runway. The audience included other residents as well as the models’ family and friends.

When asked how he felt about his wife Mariela Burdndage’s modeling, Warren responded, “She is beautiful.” During the show, participants and attendees were offered champagne and appetizers. Models were gifted the clothing and jewelry they showcased.

Overall, it was a positive event; the models were happy, and family members were proud of their participation. Medina stated, “We cherish our gorgeous grandmas (and) put them into the spotlight,” he continued “One special day does not represent how gorgeous our residents are everyday inside and out. We appreciate them everyday."