By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The John W. Stewart Student Retreat Center at the University of Montevallo was packed full of members of the American Association of University Women during its annual style show, luncheon and silent auction March 29.

The organization supports Reading is Fundamental, a program designed to increase literacy amount children.

“It begins a life of literacy for them,” said Lorrie Ozley, the Reading is Fundamental coordinator.

The AAUW Educational Fund provides scholarships for “deserving” high school students who intend to attend the University of Montevallo, said AAUW Co-President Mary Jo Buff.

A two-part style show highlighted fashions from Belk. The local models wore casual and more formal clothing, and Ed Robertson provided piano music for the show.

Silent auction tables were full of artwork, books, gift certificates and more from Shelby County businesses and AAUW members.

“We’ve had a wonderful turnout, a full house,” said Co-President Sandra Lott. “We’re proud the residents of Montevallo turned out to support the literacy program for women, which is important to us. The spring celebration has lots of fun for a good cause.

Something AAUW prides itself on is diversity, and we’re bringing people together from all parts of the Montevallo community,” she added.

For more information about the Montevallo branch of the AAUW, visit Aauw-alabama.org/mvallo.html.