by Paige Turner
Current and former patients of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt walked the runway alongside professional models at the annual Friends & Fashion event at Music City Center April 9.
The fashion show and luncheon, now in its 28th year, has grown substantially in the past few years, with more than 950 guests in attendance.
The event was hosted by Friends of Children’s Hospital, the volunteer membership organization whose mission is to support Children’s Hospital through fundraising, community outreach and patient and family support.
The fashion show featured clothing from The Friends Shop, located inside Children’s Hospital, Gus Mayer, Lilly Pulitzer and Macy’s, with a promotional sponsorship from The Mall at Green Hills. Elisabeth Hasselbeck returned again this year as emcee, and country music artist Lauren Alaina entertained guests with a special performance of her No. 1 song, “Road Less Traveled.”
“The event is so impactful as it showcases the hospital’s mission in such an amazing way,” said Carissa Pereira, Friends & Fashion 2018 co-chair. “Three of my five children have been hospital patients and understand the purpose of walking the runway to help raise funds for the place that has impacted their lives.”
Friends & Fashion proceeds will support a $1 million commitment Friends of Children’s Hospital made to support two areas of the hospital — pediatric cancer and care for the medically complex child, a program that helps families navigate the medical system for children with multiple health conditions.
The 2018 Friends & Fashion was co-chaired by Pereira, Allison Fowler and Mary Morgan Ketchel.
