The music was thumping, the crowd enthusiastic and well-fed, the multi-colored lights illuminated the stage, and models from the Safford High School girls athletics program strutted their stuff with a little assistance from visiting NFL players from 4Coast apparel at the Manor House Convention Center on Friday night.

The Manor House hosted the event that included a four-course dinner with one of the football players as well as the fashion show.

Event planner LaDonna Elms said everything went off without a hitch, and a good time was had by all in attendance.

Event organizer Shelley Sampson is presented a bouquet of flowers by NFL player Shane Walton of 4Coast at the conclusion of the benefit fashion show Friday night. Photo by Jon Johnson

“It was a huge success,” she said. “The football players were a lot of fun, and the models were really enthusiastic.”

The models wore outfits provided by Gila Outdoor, Abacus Embroidery, 4Coast, Pollock’s Western Outfitters, the Paradise Shop of California and sample pieces from designer Betty Le.

“Everyone liked the clothes so much that most of the models ended up purchasing the clothes they wore,” Elms said.

Highlights of the event included the football players modeling apparel from 4Coast, with one player stripping off his shirt to the delight of the females in the audience and a presentation of roses to event organizer Shelley Sampson by NFL player Shane Walton of 4Coast.

The Paradise Store donated 50 percent of the sales of its clothes at the event. That money and the rest of the proceeds were donated to the Safford High School girls athletics program.

Elms said she was eager to put on another fashion show next year.

“It’s in the works,” she said. “We hope to make it an annual event.”