Around 350 attendees gathered at the Fluegel Alumni Center in Annapolis on June 7 for the 14th annual Fashion for a Cause, enjoying both beautiful weather and stylish looks while smashing fundraising records. The event raised over $240,000 for Chesapeake Kids, a Hospice of the Chesapeake program that supports children affected by advanced illness and loss.
Returning for his third year as emcee, Bryan Nehman, cohost of C4 and Bryan Nehman weekday mornings on WBAL NewsRadio, led the event alongside Hospice of the Chesapeake President and CEO Becky Miller. Together, they introduced Marie Burgess, who shared her family’s journey with the Chesapeake Kids program. The room fell silent as Burgess recounted the brief life of her son, Harvey, who was a pediatric hospice patient and passed away at the age of 4. Burgess expressed gratitude for the grief counseling and support groups provided by the organization, which had empowered her to become a volunteer counselor. Her heartfelt story inspired many attendees to donate, contributing to the event’s record-breaking success.
The fashion show featured 33 community members modeling summer fashions and accessories provided by local retailers, including 3 Sisters, Alpaca International, Anthropologie, B Boutique, Bohemian Black, Charm City Run LLC, The Cottage, Cotton Company, Helly Hansen, Lilac Bijoux, The Lucky Knot, Modern Lusso, The Pink Crab, Scout and Molly’s of Annapolis, South Moon Under, Stardust Deluxe, Trendy Tides Boutique, and Yves Delorme.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of food and drinks provided by local vendors, including Bayside Bull, Caliente Grille, Carpaccio Tuscan Kitchen and Wine Bar, Light House Bistro, Main and Market, and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Food trucks such as Green Valley, Sweet Satisfaction, and Truck of Deliciousness also contributed to the event’s culinary offerings.
The event was generously supported by numerous community businesses and leaders, including Presenting Sponsor HM2 Buck for Hope Foundation and Red Carpet Sponsor Sara Starry. Fashionista Sponsors included Anne Arundel Dermatology, Angie and Ed Ponatoski, John and Cathy Belcher, Charter Financial Group, The Davies Family Foundation, Floor Systems, The Michael Stanley Foundation, Moran Insurance, Sturbridge Development Company, The Vento Family Foundation, and Bill and Laura Westervelt. Supermodel Sponsors were #makingadifference Fund, Baldwin Homes, Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, John and Terri Hussman, M&T Bank, Olmo Brothers Construction and Landscaping, Project Next 30 Years, and REJ Consulting. Celebrity Sponsors included Annapolitan Investment Group, Atlantic Forest Products, First Citizens Bank, Elizabeth Freedlander, Dr. Parabh Gill, Help for Hungry & Homeless, Lehmann Family in memory of John C. Lehmann, Patient First, The Temple Annapolis: A Paul Mitchell Partner School, and What’s Up? Media, among many others.
The combination of heartfelt stories, community support, and a glamorous fashion show made the 14th annual Fashion for a Cause a memorable and impactful event, ensuring that Chesapeake Kids can continue to provide vital services to children and families in need.
