Five years in and the Spring Fashion Fundraiser is going from strength to eye-catching strength.

For event organiser Sonja Di Pietro, it’s hard to believe that her little idea for “women to come together and have a night out” has blossomed into a must-see annual event.

But with another sell-out crowd in attendance at the Portarlington Golf Club - and a hefty donation to a brilliant local charity as a result - the Stockdale & Leggo Bellarine director is thrilled that her brainchild has won a spot in the hearts of so many Bellarine women.

“It’s amazing that what we started has become something that so many women look forward to,” Sonja said.

“It’s obviously a great way for our local fashion houses to show off their wares, but I think it’s as much now about coming together and that chance to have a night out with the ladies.

“No doubt putting the stores front and centre is important to it all, but it’s just fun to be part of something that seems to put a smile on so many faces.”

Models representing Just Next Door, Kouture By the Sea, Montana’s, Hive, Quirky and The Ducks Nuts showcased the upcoming summer trends on the red-carpet runway at the Portarlington Golf Club.

And while they strutted their stuff in front of the full house, the real beneficiaries of the evening were the wonderful volunteers of local charity Food Assist 3223.

Sonja said the event raised a phenomenal $2600 for the food-based charity which does an amazing role in a particularly tough sector of our community that’s too often overlooked.

“We donated the money to (FA 3223 president) Leanne (Meddings) and she was absolutely delighted with that,” Sonja said.

“She was telling me some of the numbers involved (to keep things running) and it’s amazing that they can run everything so well, so we’re happy to play our part.

“It’s incredible that we all get to have a great evening, support the local businesses and make an impact for a really important cause … I couldn’t be happier with how it has been received.”