Friends of Kids with Cancer's 17th Annual Fashion Show and Boutique on Thursday, November 5th at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton featured shopping, laughing, Friends and most of all, some brave kids.
While the total raised from the event is still being tallied, this event is different from all others- no matter how much is raised, it is still a success. The models, our special kids in treatment, had an amazing day and their smiles are all we need for success.
The featured speakers put on quite the show with Shane Brewer, a 15 year-old sophomore at Parkway South High School, and Jaxton Willman, an 9 year-old 4th grader at Henry Elementary, both speaking as a team during the program portion of the Fashion Show. They mixed in humor to tell their tale of struggle in the face of this life-threatening disease.
"Like most teenagers, I usually don't listen to my parents," said Shane during his speech. "One time I listened to my mom...and went to the doctor, and three days later I was having surgery after being diagnosed with cancer. I don't listen to my mom anymore."
"Don't worry, Mom, I still listen to you," added Jaxton.
Both the daytime and the nighttime show drew thunderous applause from the audience as the kids strutted up and down the runway. The fashions were generoualy provided by the Fur and Leather Centre, Dillard's and Distinctions.
"This is our signature event for the year," said Judy Ciapciak, Executive Director for Friends. "You can't help but stand up and cheer for these beaming kids as they light up the runway with their smiles."
Throughout the day, there was boutique shopping from St. Louis vendors, multiple raffles and an oral auction that included a puppy. Guy Phillips of Y98 was the luncheon MC while Ed Goodman of KEZK took over those duties at the evening show.
We would like to thank all of our sponsors, everyone who attended, the volunteers and our Fashion Show Committee for making this event possible, especially our three co-chairs: Marianne Bergamini, Mary Mercurio and Deb Stock. Our most special thanks goes to all the kids for serving as models and their families, you truly are the stars of our show!
See Pictures of the Event! (And check back next Friday, November 13th for more!!)
Watch videos from the local media coverage of the event on Fox 2 and KMOV 4!
