A childhood cancer patient and her matching role model walk the runway at last year’s event. (Image courtesy of National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.)

TAMPA, Fla. (PRWEB)
November 12, 2020

The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF) will host its annual Fashion Funds the Cure fundraising event, presented by Mercedes-Benz, on Friday, November 13 at 6:00pm EST. The leading national nonprofit organization, which funds groundbreaking research for childhood cancer treatment, hosts the event for childhood cancer survivors and their families across the nation. This year, in light of COVID restrictions, the NPCF has worked tirelessly to recreate the event, closely following all safety guidelines.

The highlight of the event is a fashion show, where childhood cancer survivors take to the runway dressed as their future career aspirations. This year, with safety and wellness as the highest concern, the show will incorporate an innovative combination of live and virtual participants. Childhood cancer survivors, who are especially vulnerable to illness, were asked to send in videos to participate remotely. These videos will match live role models, who will walk the stage in person to honor the children. Behind the scenes, the role models will be protected as well, with a carefully planned show and highly restricted access to their space.

Nearly 42 kids nationwide will be participating with a pre-recorded video, each walking their own virtual “runway” in a special feature. Further, the event will be livestreamed via social media and YouTube. Supporters across the nation are invited to follow the NPCF Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube, where they can tune in and join the fun on Friday.

Supporters at the event itself can choose between several different event experiences in different areas, each of which will be socially distanced in its own way. As part of a plan approved by the county, all guests will complete a waiver, wear masks for the duration of the event, and remain their designated event area without mixing with other parties. While enjoying the fashion show, guests will either be safely enjoying hors d’oeuvres, learning expert cooking tips, or cheering from a socially-distanced audience. Top-level sponsors will even have access to a private luxury suite, where they can watch the show while enjoying light bites and cocktails.

The uplifting, high-energy show will feature professional models and local business leaders along with the videos of children battling cancer across the nation. The event also features both a live and silent auction, accessible to all attendees regardless of their location. Fashion Funds the Cure presented by Mercedes-Benz provides the unique opportunity to both raise critical funds for research, and celebrate what has already been accomplished.

“We are pleased to bring back this year our annual Fashion Funds the Cure presented by Mercedes-Benz,” said David Frazer, CEO of the NPCF. “The event is a bright moment for these kids and their families, who have been looking forward to it all year. It’s also a crucial moment to help raise awareness and funding for lifesaving research and treatment of childhood cancer. This has been an unimaginably challenging year to many, especially for young cancer patients and their health professionals who needed to take extra precautions to ensure their safety. We greatly appreciate our community’s support and continue to rely on it in fulfilling our mission of fast-tracking less toxic, more targeted treatment.”

“I am honored to be the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s International Youth Chair because of the amazing, tireless, inspiring work that they are doing to find a cure for pediatric cancer,” said Kathy Ireland, who will be sending a personalized message in support of the event. “Every day 43 precious children and their families in the United States have their lives turned upside down with the news that their child has cancer. Just imagine the joy that they will be feeling when they can watch their child walk down the runway, smiling from ear to ear. Imagine how wonderful it will feel when every child and their family can learn that they are cancer-free. Please, join us in our efforts to offer all young people that beautiful promise.”

Since their inception in 1991, the NPCF has supported more than $25 million in pediatric cancer research, and their groundbreaking Sunshine Club has united 26 leading hospitals and research institutions across the country to identify promising new treatments. Tickets for Fashion Funds the Cure presented by Mercedes-Benz are $175 per person and can be purchased online at Nationalpcf.org/fashiontampa or by phone (813) 269-0955.

About National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research to eliminate childhood cancer through the Sunshine Project, the Foundation’s collaborative research initiative. By partnering with doctors and researchers from the country’s top institutions, the Sunshine Project is fast-tracking the development of new drugs and therapies that will ultimately lead to the cure of childhood cancers. The NPCF has received a perfect 100% score for financial health and transparency and is recognized as the top-rated cancer charity in the U.S. by Charity Navigator. For more information, visit http://www.NationalPCF.org or connect via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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