PERHAM

— Not all communities can say that they have traditions lasting over half a century, but Perham has plenty of those, including the Annual Style Show: a brunch featuring a silent auction, door prizes and a show dedicated to promoting the most recent fashions sold at local businesses. Hosted by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Rita 409, all proceeds from each event go toward local charities to benefit community members in need.

Hosted at the new fellowship hall at St. Henry’s Catholic Church on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 28, the 54th Annual Style Show boasted a theme of “For the Birds.” Alongside decorations featuring nature, nests, bird cages and more, the community’s early birds came out to check out the latest fashions with a tasty brunch in the completely packed hall.

“I just think everybody should help someone at some point in their life,” Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas Chairman Rachel Poser said. “We’re all going to need help at some point, so we should be willing to help when we can. And when it’s our turn, hopefully, people will help us.”

And Court St. Rita sure knows how to simultaneously have fun while helping others. This year’s show featured fashions from local businesses such as Level III, Dot & Minnie’s, Nadine’s (now located in a space at P.S. I Love You), Mark’s Home & More, Sweet Bees and North Threads. The entrance fee attendees pay to see the showcase and participate in the silent auction will be funneled back into local charitable causes.

“We’ve consistently raised between $4,000-$5,000 at this between the silent auction items, the ticket sales — which includes brunch — and other donations that are just donated by people as well,” Regent Leanne Stoll said. “I’m always amazed that people support this fundraiser. It’s a long-standing tradition, and I think we see a lot of familiar faces every year, who come back year after year because they just enjoy the relaxed setting and styles of all the stores that participate and just the camaraderie that it brings.”

Different organizations who’ve benefited from the funds raised at the Annual Style Show — which is the Perham Catholic Daughers’ biggest fundraiser — include Perham Area EMS, Perham Area Fire and Rescue, Perham Veterans Museum, Someplace Safe, Bridge Pantry, the Backpack Program and more.

Hosting fun events with the objective of raising money plays a huge part in the history of Court St. Rita 409. In fact, when they were first founded over 100 years ago in 1919, their first activities to fund the creation of their court included parties, dances and even plays. Though a lot has changed since the 1900s, the goal to help out those around them has stayed the same.

Stoll added, “A small community can only function adequately if it has the support of the people living in it.”

Not to mention the joy that comes from those who attend.

“I think it’s fun for them,” former Regent Dianne Rohde-Szarke of the success of the Annual Style Show. “You know, honestly, they kind of like the decorations. I think they like to come and visit with their Catholic friends.”

Rohde-Szarke announced next year’s theme for the 55th Annual Style Show toward the end of the event: Fall is in the Air. The show is already scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, on the last Saturday of October as per usual.

“Few things in life bring more joy than the arrival of fall, so why not celebrate it with a fall style show?” Rohde-Szarke said as she announced next year’s theme to the crowd of attendees on Saturday.

To learn more about Court St. Rita 409, or to donate toward their efforts, visit

parishfaith.com/catholic-daughters

. They meet the first Tuesday of the month, September through June at 7 p.m. Any Catholic woman aged 18 or older is welcome to join, and a Junior Catholic Daughters group is also available at St. Henry’s for younger girls looking to get involved.

For more information, contact Regent Stoll at 218-758-3050.

“It’s nice to see a good turnout,” Poser said, reflecting on the 54th Annual Style Show. Though the amount raised at this year’s event won’t be known for a few weeks, Stoll believes it was successful.

Elizabeth (she/her), 25, graduated with a degree in Journalism and Communications from the University of Wisconsin–Stout in 2020. Elizabeth has always had a passion for telling stories about people and specializes in community features, which she uses for her Perham-centered content.