Nearly 250 guests gathered at the newly renovated Sundial Plaza for a charitable fashion show that raised more than $100,000 for two Tampa Bay nonprofits supporting children with special needs and life-threatening illnesses.
Hosted by Jackie Z Style Co. and philanthropic group Booze and Boutiques, the “Passport to Paris” event, held May 10, blended runway fashion, live music and luxury raffles to benefit The Hambrick Foundation and the Children’s Dream Fund.
Galilea, a 17-year-old battling cancer, modeled a summer dress on the runway—and was surprised with her dream trip: a Mediterranean cruise.
“Each dream is unique to the child and may involve a celebrity meeting, a trip or a gift,” said Amanda Griffin Walker, executive director of the Children’s Dream Fund. “To date, we have had the honor of making more than 4,000 dreams come true.”
The Hambrick Foundation awarded grants to six local organizations including Eckerd College, Beyond the Spectrum, Excellerated Teaching Academy, Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT), LaVoy Exceptional Center and Louise Graham Regeneration Center/R’Club.
“We are grateful this funding will help us add items to our sensory room for our kids, like books and adaptive seating,” said Amy Shore, executive director of R’Club.
Founder Bobby Hambrick said the foundation was inspired by his son, Truman, who has special needs. “Through grants, scholarships and other programs, we will continue to support those who devote their lives to serve individuals with special needs,” he said.
The event also featured gourmet food, champagne, live violin music and luxury auction items, including a Hermès Birkin bag valued at $30,000 and a beach vacation at Key Colony.
