Russell Ciolli, Chamber director (Grimaldi's), Tommy Poupis (formerly Alpha Collision), and Chamber director Michael Ventre (Windsor Commercial Real Estate). On the evening of May 23, Lord & Taylor graciously hosted the Chamber's Spring After Hours Networking event in the store's Signature Cafe. Featured was "A Summer Fashion Adventure" which transformed fourteen Chamber directors and members into "VIP runway stars" donning an array of Lord & Taylor's summer fashions for fellow members and guests. Lord & Taylor passed delectable hors d'oeuvres and a selection of fine wines was provided by the Wingate Inn Garden City. Lord & Taylor provided a drawing for a $250 gift card for use at the Garden City Hotel plus a $200 Lord & Taylor Gift Card. Guests left with special gift bags and the opportunity to shop until 9:30 p.m.

Photos By John Ellis Kordes

Roger Eltringham, president of the Garden City Chamber sported Tommy Bahama's "Jewel of the Isle Camp" shirt, cargo shorts and straw hat by Country Gentleman.Michael Ventre, Chamber director (Windsor Commercial Real Estate) sports clothing from Lord & Taylor's Men's Lacoste Collection.Down the runway comes Hillary Needle (Legendary Events) and daughter Marisa. Hillary, in a colorful silk dress from the Nicole Miller Collection. Marisa is in a wrap dress designed by Hollyworld.VIP runway stars line up for the finale (L-R): Rich, Jing and Ryan Deremer; Tommy and Jennifer Poupis; Suzanne EiglAlthea Robinson, Chamber executive director with Liz Denby, assistant and Jane Nelson (G.C. Fund of United Way of Long island).Chamber models, L-R: Russell Ciolli (Grimaldi's); Laney Line (Poeticpetals); Roger Eltringham (Allianceplus); and Michael Ventre (Windsor Commercial Real Estate).Kathleen Petronis, Chamber director (Commerce Bank), dons an ensemble by Eileen Fisher.Tommy Poupis is ready for the golf course in his outfit by Ashworth.Jones New York Collection pieces take Suzanne Eigl (Taylor Warner Realty) from work into evening.Russell Ciolli, Chamber director (owner, Grimaldi's Pizzeria), looks like a "runway pro" in his Polo by Ralph Lauren polo shirt, madras shorts and coordinating fisherman's hatRoger Eltringham, Chamber president with former Chamber director Rich Deremer, wife Jing, and 9-month old son Ryan, runway stars. Rich sports an Alex Cannon navy sports jacket; Jing is enveloped in pieces by Ralph Lauren as is son Ryan.Roger Eltringham, Chamber president and Karen Loeffler, public relations director, Lord & Taylor, Long Island Region before the show.Althea Robinson, Chamber executive director, Joe Ricaurte, Lord & Taylor Garden City general store manager, Roger Eltringham, Chamber president and Karen Loeffler, public relations director, Lord & Taylor, Long Island Region.Jennifer Poupis, former Chamber director, wears OC by OC, a white lace shirt dress designed by Oleg CassiniReady for the weekend is Laney Liner (Poeticpetals), ensconced in Jones Signature Casual Wear, along with Michael Ventre, Chamber director (Windsor Commercial Real Estate) who sports clothing from Lord & Taylor's Men's Lacoste Collection.Bert Donley, Chamber director and past president (Windsor Commercial Real Estate) provided event background music and accompaniment for the VP runway stars.Looking great and ready for anything is vivacious Cynthia Bevington, Chamber director (Wingate Inn, Garden City, kind donors of wine for the event). Among Cyn's pieces is a two-piece ensemble by Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon.Lord & Taylor's Signature Café was filled to capacity as Chamber members and guests awaited the arrival of the VIP Runway Stars.Chamber assistant director, Kharla Daly assists Joe Ricaurte, Lord & Taylor general store manager with complimentary drawing for $250 for use at the Garden City Hotel plus a $200 Lord & Taylor gift card.Joe Ricaurte, Lord & Taylor, general store manager welcomes guests in the Signature Café before the fashion show.The Miracle Foundation's Kate Debold with Karen Loeffler (Public Relations Manager, Lord & Taylor, Long Island Region), and Ken Krieger (Sovereign Bank)Runway stars, L-R, were Tommy and Jennifer Poupis (formerly Alpha Collision); Roger Eltringham (Allianceplus) and Fran Nelson (Seventh Street Café).Kharla Daly and Liz Denby, Chamber assistants, check in the guests.