You would have got a ticket for the Oscars easier than you would have got a ticket for tonight’s Penneys fashion show, as staff held a heartwarming fundraiser for a much-loved colleague, Olivia Robb.

Over 300 people flocked to the Letterkenny Shopping Centre to support Olivia, who was recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Organised by her fellow colleagues, the night was a testament to Olivia’s positive impact on the 130-strong Penneys team.

Presentation to Olivia Robb and family

The Penneys team really put in the fun in fundraising as friends, Olivia and Brendan’s family and well-known local faces strutted their stuff on the shop floor. The upbeat atmosphere was fueled by DJ Marty Friel and the wonderful MC Made Up Mummy Sarah Terry Sweeney, topped off with a Robb St. Patrick’s Day parade!

Claire Coughlan, MC Sarah Terry Sweeney and Maura Doherty

Marty and Vinny from the V and M Podcast shake it out!

Paul Murray and baby Mila, the youngest model at only 8 weeks old

“The news that Olivia had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease had taken us all by shock,” said store manager George Murphy. “In true Penneys fashion the team got behind the idea of how to support Olivia and her family.”

Olivia, originally from Sligo, first started working in Penneys in 1994. She joined the Letterkenny team when she moved to Donegal in 1995.

“With almost 30 years experience, everyone here is fond of Olivia. Always pleasant, bubbly and friendly, always with a smile on her face and willing to help out other colleagues,” George said.

“Olivia takes great pride in her work and has the highest standards. It’s always a pleasure to work with you. Well done Olivia, it took you to be the one to have the first fashion show in the store.”

Emmet Fanneran, Sharon Boyce and George Murphy

Birthday boy Micheal (Donegal Daddy) and Gracie Brennan

Penneys, a Letterkenny staple for 39 years, has always been about great fashion and community spirit.

The support doesn’t stop at the runway. Other fundraisers on the calendar for Olivia are a reunion for past and present employees on Easter Saturday. Additionally, staff member Claire Coughlan is donating all proceeds from her Self Care Wellness event on May 16th at the Silver Tassie.

All funds raised will go towards supporting Olivia, her husband Brendan, and their 13-year-old daughter Lisa. The goal is to help cover the costs of adapted transport, medical equipment, and accommodation for hospital appointments in Dublin.

You can also donate to help the Robb family here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-robb-family

See more photos from the show (and the ‘frow’!) here:

Kevin and Ava Dooher

Amy Callaghan and Maria Rushe work the gymwear

The Dippers not ready to throw in the towel on modelling!

Chloe and Vicki in the front row

Dippers Frank Power and Bobby Roberts

Sarah Terry Sweeney and DJ Marty Friel chat with Paddy Browne and Lily Rose

A Penneys fashion statement!

Chloe and Vicki in the front row

 

Back L_R: Helena Crossan, Ann Marie McDevitt, Martina Harkin and Rachel Crossan, Front Row: Sharon Moloney, Donna Gallagher, Clodagh Gallagher and Margo Butler

Janet Coyle, Linda Harley, Marie Browne, Frances Patton, Clare Houston

Claire, Mary Angela, Nora and Claire