by Donna Vissman
The Friends of Vanderbilt fashion show took place on Monday, April 14 at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs. Spring Forward in Fashion is the Friends of Vanderbilt fashion show, which began over twenty years ago by now Senator Marsha Blackburn and continues today to enrich the lives of patients by the monies raised to continue research while providing outstanding pediatric services at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
Guests were welcomed by host, Allison DeMarcus, former Miss Tennessee, Miss Tennessee USA and Miss Tennessee Teen USA who now works with CMT. DeMarcus introduced the crowd to two very special guests–Ellie Moore and Maddie Wright–current patients of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Maddie, who has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis said “miracles happen every day at Vanderbilt.”
As the presenting sponsor, Belk, gave us our spring fashion stories with the popular Black and White combo, Feminine Charm which includes laces and florals, Menswear looks and most importantly the children’s spring looks, full of white and pastels. Patients of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital walked the catwalk, donning signs. On one side, their diagnosis was written and on the other side, a big thank you to those at Vanderbilt! See our slideshow of pictures above.
Belk recently announced that the company, and its associates, customers and vendors contributed more than $20.9 million to local communities in the fiscal year ending February 1, 2014. Of the total amount, Belk corporate dollars funded $7.3 million to more than 250 nonprofit organizations, with a focus on education, breast cancer research and awareness, and community strengthening. The remainder of the funding includes associate, vendor and customer dollars raised in Belk-led charitable initiatives, including Belk Charity Sale.
“Being a part of our communities and meeting local needs has been an integral part of the Belk philosophy since our founding in 1888, and it continues to be one of our core values today,” said Jessica Graham, Belk vice president of communications and community relations. “We are grateful to our customers and our associates for their contributions to our efforts, which allow our efforts to have an even greater impact.”
Lynn Ghertner, President of Friends of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt said it best when she said, “We are so lucky to have the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. Your support allows us to provide extra support to our patients such as family dinner nights, lunches, and patient special events during their stay.” To learn more on how to become a member visit, ChildrensHospital.Vanderbilt.org/friends
