In preparation for the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala “Together We Shine” on April 17 at the Hilton Anatole, the 2020 spring event models (Children’s Health cancer patients) were formally introduced and had photos taken with Honorary Chairmen Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach
By Elizabeth Lenart
Twenty pediatric cancer patients being treated at the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Health gathered at NorthPark Center on January 7 to be formally introduced as the young models who will be featured in the 32nd Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Gala fashion show, “Together We Shine” on April 17. They had their headshots taken, enjoyed some food, primping and crafts, and had a chance to meet and take photos with longtime Honorary Children’s Cancer Fund Gala Chairs Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach. As a very special surprise, Nancy Nasher, owner and president of NorthPark Center, presented each child with NorthPark gold. The model reveal party was sponsored by NorthPark Center, Seasons 52, and Toni and Guy.
These children, from all over North Texas, will model during the fashion show portion of the 32nd Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Gala – the organization’s annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer research – on Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Gala Co-Chairs Jamie O’Banion and Holly Pellham Davis will join Honorary Chairmen Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach, along with other celebrities, as runway escorts for the children, who wear fashions provided at no cost by Dillard’s for the show, produced by RSC Show Productions. The event is designed by GRO Event Design. Staubach, who has been involved since the event’s inception 31 years ago, asked Aikman to join him as co-chair 23 years ago.
The 2020 models are: Aaron Budhwani, of Plano; Melissa Coronado, of Arlington; Liam Duarte, of Little Elm; Bianca Fullerton, of Longview; Madilyn Hallford, of Paris; Reagan Harris, of Trophy Club; Drew Herrell, of McKinney; Jawed Hussein, of Irving; Shay Johnson, of Italy; Ben Jones, of Fate; Nora McDonald, of Flower Mound; Will McKie, of Flower Mound; Jacob Pletan, of Whitesboro; Grayson Prewett, of Carrollton; Chelsey Reichenberger, of Flower Mound; Maria Schwarz, of Dallas; Campbell Sena, of Frisco; Addie Leigh Spencer, of Tyler; Dylan Stewart, of Greenville; and Christopher Villarreal, of Kaufman.
Proceeds from the spring Gala, slated to raise more than $1 million, go to Children’s Cancer Fund to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Since 1982, Children’s Cancer Fund has donated over $11 million in grants to the childhood cancer cause. The Children’s Cancer Fund spring event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and an opportunity to shine a light on pediatric cancer. The Gala is sponsored by CBS 11.
Children’s Cancer Fund (CCF), founded in 1982, champions kids in their fight against cancer through strategic investments in research and care in North Texas. The group funds pediatric cancer research and compassionate care at Children’s Health and selected research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, both nationally recognized programs for the investigation and treatment of childhood cancer.
Ticket prices for the gala, which includes a dinner, auction, and program with musical entertainment, dancing and a fashion show are $300 or $2,750 for a table of 10. Visit childrenscancerfund.com or contact Jennifer Arthur, Exec. Director, Children’s Cancer Fund, jennifer@childrenscancerfund.com, 972-664-1450
