Hospice Of The Chesapeake Hosts 10th Annual Fashion For A Cause

“Doing Good Never Looked So Great”

This year marks the 10th annual Fashion For A Cause, an event that benefits the Chesapeake Kids Program at Hospice of the Chesapeake.

Every year, the event features the same theme: fun, fashion and fabulous cars, according to Christine Wilson, director of advancement at Hospice of the Chesapeake.

In honor of its 10th installment, set for June 7, a special tagline was added: “Doing good never looked so great.”

Over the last 10 years, Fashion For A Cause has grown dramatically. The first three shows were held in a boutique in downtown Annapolis, and they featured 10 models and 100 attendees. Since then, the event has expanded to 20 models and roughly 350 attendees. It is now held at Porsche of Annapolis.

The runway is set up in the showroom and work bay area, Wilson said. “It’s transformed into a really cool New York City-type grunge setting,” she added.

This year, the emcee will be WJZ-TV evening news anchor Denise Koch, who has served on the advisory boards of Success in Style, Hospice Network of Maryland and the Maryland Committee for the Children.

“Her love of fashion, Hospice and the kids makes her the perfect shoo-in for the event,” Wilson said. “Pun intended.”

All funds raised at Fashion For A Cause benefit the Chesapeake Kids Program, which provides “compassionate and comprehensive care to children and their families who are living with a life-limiting condition,” Wilson said. The program also has a camp at Arlington Echo and memory-making activities for the entire family.

After the models display the outfits, kids from the Chesapeake Kids Program are invited to walk down the runway.

The 20 models include 10 celebrity community members and 10 professional models. Miss Maryland 2018, Brittinay Nicolette, is one of those models walking the runway.

The celebrity community members are “people who are involved with us, believe in our mission or just want to come out and support us,” Wilson said.

This year, a “really good mix of vendors” contributed clothing for the event, Wilson said. Models wear two or three outfits each, including swimwear, fitness wear, evening wear and casual day wear. Vendors include J.McLaughlin, Jos. A. Bank, Scout and Molly’s Boutique, South Moon Under, Anthropologie, The Pink Crab and Helly Hansen.

“I think people will be slightly surprised if they’ve never been to the event, but they can expect a fun-filled evening and a really unique venue,” Wilson said. “It’s a unique, edgy event with something for everyone.”

Prior to the show, sponsors of the event are invited to a VIP reception where they’re offered appetizers and beverages.

Tickets are $115 per person, and the event is standing room only. Fashion For A Cause will be held on Thursday, June 7, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at Porsche of Annapolis. Complimentary valet parking is available for everyone in attendance.

For more information on the Chesapeake Kids Program or Fashion For A Cause, visit www.hospicechesapeake.org.