The Runway to Hope Spring Fashion Soiree was held at Rosen Shingle Creek last Saturday and Bags was both honored and excited to take part. Runway to Hope is a nonprofit organization that provides direct support and aid to Central Florida children and their families impacted by pediatric cancer. They partner with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Florida Hospital for Children, and Nemours Children’s Hospital, as well as corporations, local businesses and philanthropists. Their efforts help raise funds and awareness, and also bring new programs and initiatives to the pediatric cancer community.
Bags Inc. Founder & CEO Craig Mateer and his wife Dawn (center), who serves on Runway to Hope’s Board of Directors, were honored with the Corporate Hope Award at Saturday’s gala. The award was presented by Runway to Hope co-founders Mark and Josie NeJame. Image courtesy the Nielsens Photography & Design.
The Spring Fashion Soiree was emceed by actress, dancer, model, and television personality Brooke Burke-Charvet, and Ross Mathews, star of Hello Ross! on E! Entertainment Television. The event raised more than $800,000, putting Runway to Hope well on its way to meeting their $3 million goal. Donations are not limited to the event – generous patrons can give at any time.
Bags has been involved with Runway to Hope for several years and was honored with the Corporate Hope Award at the event. The award was accepted by Bags Founder & CEO Craig Mateer, along with his wife Dawn, who serves on the Runway to Hope Board of Directors. Craig and Dawn are passionate about their involvement with Runway to Hope because of its direct positive impact on the lives of children struggling with illness. Bags Senior Vice President Gene Muhart also sits on the organization’s Board of Directors. In addition to being a corporate sponsor, we also offered complimentary prize delivery to auction winners.
The highlight of the evening was a fashion show featuring more than one hundred brave children, ages 2 to 18, all of whom are battling or have overcome cancer. These courageous children, modeling much more than clothing, walked the runway arm-in-arm with national and local celebrity escorts. Their unwavering spirit was the star of the show and symbolizes the heart of Runway to Hope’s mission and is a testament to the organization’s success.