In early November, nearly 1,000 generous members of the St. Louis community gathered to celebrate an incredible 31 years of fostering empowerment, carefree silliness, and all-day excitement for children undergoing cancer treatment at Friends of Kids with Cancer’s Fashion Show & Boutique fundraiser.
This event transformed 31 patients into fabulously dressed models whose vibrant personalities bloomed on stage. Throughout the 31 years of annual fashion show events, each and every show stands out as new patients grab the microphone, tell jokes, sing songs, and often transform from shy kids into confident models.
The kids were showered with personalized gifts, two-nights stay in a luxury room at The Ritz-Carlton, and even time on the microphone as our emcee, Susanne Rosenberg, gave way for joke-telling during the shows. In addition, Dillard’s—Galleria donated each model’s favorite outfit, so they can continue feeling sharp even after the show.
The luncheon and dinner shows raised more than $712,530 in gross donations, thanks to the many individuals and businesses who sponsor, donate funds, time, talents, items, and packages, as well as to all those who attend, buy raffle tickets, bid in the auctions, and raise their paddles to donate.
After accounting for event expenses, including venue costs, catering, and entertainment, and the total net proceeds of $531,000, over half a million dollars, go directly to support Friends of Kids with Cancer’s mission.
In the audience were generous supporters, who clapped and cheered for our models and celebrity guest models. Our special guest models included doctors, social workers, nurses, community supporters, St. Louis Cardinals alum, St. Louis Blues alum, as well as St. Louis CITY SC players.
“Thank you to all of you for hosting such a beautiful and magical event for these children and families,” Corry Cande, Child Life Specialist for Friends of Kids. “I feel so very lucky to have been able to witness the beauty of this event and how deeply special and touching it was to watch these children and their families be championed and cherished.”
Plus, our amazing emcees, Susanne Rosenberg, Claire Kellett, Randy Karraker, and new fashion emcee, Retta Tussey, introduced all our special speakers, performers, and models down the runway.
Guests enjoyed boutique shopping from a variety of local vendors and most did not leave empty-handed. A fun photo booth was also offered by Hart of the City Photo Booth.
Many supporters purchased VIP Rooftop Solarium tickets, which featured music, cocktails, and a photo booth by Glow Booth.
There are so many people involved in making this event a success and we can’t thank them enough.
"The Fashion Show is not just a fundraiser. It is another great memory for these kids to put in the bank of how special Friends enables each kid to feel support and love." –Fashion Show Volunteer
Thank You to These Major 2025 Sponsors
SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
COCKTAIL SPONSOR
The Blue Duck
GOLD SPONSORS
Anonymous
Mercy
Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital
Lee Deutsch
Information for 2025 Tax Purposes
