Story and photo by Melissa Buckley
GUIDON staff
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Fort Leonard Wood’s Fabulous Fakes raised more than $6,000 for the Armed Services YMCA of Missouri Friday at the Pershing Community Center.

“It is a lot better to have a fun-raiser then it is to have a fundraiser. People look forward to this event all year long,” said Steve Lynch, Armed Services YMCA vice chairman. “Today, I am Scuba Steve. I have the urge to submerge to support the Armed services YMCA. I am diving deep into wallets and purses.”

Upon entering the Fabulous Fakes luncheon, attendees were met by ladies selling silverware. Playing the role of Flo from a 50s diner were; Sherri Visser, Yolanda Mendoza, Lisa Yenter and Violet McNeirney — rolling around on skates and performing tricks for the crowd.

All of the fakes were selling something at the luncheon, whether it be raffle tickets for large ticket items or shots of apple juice. The parade of stars included T-Bird and the Pink Ladies from Balfour Beatty, Safari Joe representing Dazy the Clown, Mayberry from the Fort Leonard Wood Garrison Command, Sakura the Geisha from Security Bank, Scuba Steve from Lynch’s Furniture, Top Model from the International Group, LMFAO from the 3rd Chemical Brigade, Bombs Away Angry Birds from Fort Wood Hotels, The Jersey Shore crew from Mid Missouri Credit Union, Curl a Girl from the Body Blasters, Edward Scissorhands from Headlines Salon, Prom Queens from Repeat Boutique, MP Angels made of military police spouses, Connie Chung and her cameraman from Directorate of Public Works, and Green Apple from General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.

Lt. Col. Tom Duncan, the 84th Chemical Battalion commander was almost unrecognizable in his animal print pants and wig as one of LMFAO’s front men, SkyBlu. He said the Fabulous Fakes event is great because not only is it a lot of fun, it’s a chance to raise money for an organization that has touched many of his Soldiers’ lives.

“It’s a chance to relax and have some fun,” Duncan said. “This is my second tour on Fort Leonard Wood. I have had a lot of exposure to what the Armed Forces YMCA does to help our Families.”

Voted as crowd favorites this year were LMFAO, Bombs Away and MP Angels. The top five teams that raised the most money were LMFAO, Mayberry, Connie Chung and cameraman, Edward Scissorhands and Bombs Away.

“All monies raised from Fabulous Fakes stay here to support the military Families in the Fort Leonard Wood area,” said Linda Bright, Armed Services YMCA of Missouri executive director. “The YMCA program touches over 800 people per month. YMCA activities are designed to promote healthy lifestyles and build strong family relationships.”