On Sunday April 3rd at Chantilly Country Club my sister in law Alyson Pollard and I hosted an event that has made me so incredibly proud. Runway For Another Day was a charity fashion show that was designed to raise money for Neuroblastoma treatments for the children that battle this monster daily. As you may know both Laura and I lost our mothers to cancer and sadly many of you can understand what this disease can do to you. My dear friend and sister Alyson has stood by her younger brother Nick Franca since his diagnosis of Neuroblastoma in 2005. When you are touched so directly by this type of nightmare you first think " I wish there was something I could do" well to quote Master Yoda; " there is no try only do" ( or at least I think thats what he said). Alyson devised a plan to take other peoples used items such as prom gowns and turn them into an exciting afternoon filled with fellowship, fashion, and funding for the treatments that are so desperately needed.
As the agenda for the day began to take form I could feel the goose bumps leaping out and grabbing a hold of my sleeves. We were honored to have four beautiful young girls named Taylor Love, Carolyn Coveney, Amelia Hantske, and Erin Keenan all warriors that have and are battling Neuroblastoma. Each of these girls opened our runway with a graceful and fun walk signifying the reason we were all there. As each of them made their way they were joined by their mothers to create the most beautiful team of inspiration and courage.
Standing behind them was musical sensation Abby Miller who has dedicated her voice and talents to the cause of children battling this disease. This young lady has taken her talents and brought light to a cause that has been left in the dark for too long. Abby also joined us on the runway featuring the gown that she performed in!We then cranked up the music and sent 17 models ( all young women that are closely connected to Nick Franca and his girlfriend Kelly Embley) down the runway! In addition to each beautiful gown that was seen on the runway, Alyson received over 100 dresses sent in from all over. We were truly overwhelmed by the generosity
This picture is of Katherine Crossett who walked in honor of her sister Rachel Crossett. The corsage you see signifies either a warrior or in this case sister of an Angel.
After our show guests mingled, munched on snacks, and shopped in our boutique. We had a huge support of vendors from Forget Me Not Cakes, Mary Kay, Wear Red Lipstick, Prime Transportation, Capital Party Rentals, Lia Sophia Jewelry, and Penny Germanis Skin Care. We had a broad range of donated items that filled our raffle baskets to the brim and guests were quick to purchase tickets in hopes to snag prizes ranging from Kindles to an autographed jersey and hat by Washington Redskin Chris Cooley!
At the end of the day we loaded up a half empty U-haul with our hearts, minds, and cash box full of hope! In one afternoon we raised upwards of 10,000 that will all go directly to Band of Parents and organization set up to support the funding for treatments and cures for Neuroblastoma. Seeing that our prom extravaganza was such a success it is not hard to see where I am going next…. At the end of our runway show Alyson and I offered all of our guests a sneak peak at our next event. We are taking Runway For Another Day bridal, yep thats right in 2012 we will host Runway For The Big Day a bridal gown fundraiser!!! Before the lights were even shut down on our first event we were approached by many eager individuals that want to be involved or donate their gowns. Yet again overwhelmed by generosity! So if any of you reading this would like to be involved in our next event please contact me and we will make it happen!!
