All eyes were glued to the runway Feb. 6 as nine women modeled a variety of outfits during the Share the Love Fashion Show held at the Boulder Pointe Golf Club in Oxford Township.

The charity event netted at least $7,500 for the nonprofit Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC) of North Oakland County. A total of 220 tickets were sold for the show.

Downtown Oxford’s Boulevard Boutique provided all of the clothing and accessories modeled by Debbie Nielson, Linda Dylus, Diane Schmidt, Lori Greco, Debbie Mick, Kelly Kaza, Ali Warzecha, Kelly Westbrook and Sera Weaver.

Launched in 2007, Love INC operates a clearinghouse, or call center, that serves as a contact point for people in need. When folks call in, their situation is evaluated and needs identified, then they’re referred to local churches and agencies with the necessary resources to provide whatever assistance is required.

During a break at the show, John Backs, a former Orion resident who now lives in Independence Township, told the crowd how Love INC helped him.

Last year, Backs said he opened his home to a female friend who had been battling drug addiction for years. A few months later, this friend passed away shortly before her 28th birthday.

Backs said her death left him traumatized, distressed and in desperate need of assistance.

He turned to Love INC for help.

Following his contact with the clearinghouse, Backs received a box of emergency groceries from Oxford-Orion FISH, counseling from Lake Orion United Methodist Church’s Stephen Ministry and assistance paying his utility bills from Saint Vincent De Paul.

Rev. Eric Johnson, pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Orion, who served as the fashion show’s emcee, said Backs’ story is “not unique in terms of the (level of) service and the care and the passion” exhibited by Love INC’s many volunteers and partners.

King of Kings Lutheran is one of Love INC’s partners.

Johnson said Love INC receives more than 1,400 calls annually and it meets 94 percent of people’s needs.

“That level of effectiveness, in my experience dealing with organizations in my role as a pastor, is unmatched,” he said.

Love INC’s efforts at “combating poverty” allow the people being helped to maintain their “dignity” as they are offered a hand up as opposed to a handout, Johnson added.