By Chéye Roberson
Sentinel Correspondent
A little boy in a summer-blue shorts set bounded down the runway at Round Hill Club to his dad, who was waiting for him at the bottom. Smiling, he handed his son a balloon and gestured as if to say, “Now you have to go back up. Go on.” The little boy galloped happily back up the runway to the sound of “Awww” from the crowd.
The audience wasn’t lined up on either side of the runway at the Round Hill Club to see the world’s latest high-end brand displayed on the next top model, but rather to see these kids work their magic and have fun for a cause.
Kids ages three to 10 years old walked the runway in the latest spring and summer fashions to benefit Breast Cancer Alliance during their 1st annual Kids for a Cause event.
A little boy in a red, blue, and white short suit wore a plastic guitar and held hands with girl wearing a colorful bathing suit, a white beach jacket, and accessorized with a beach pail.
Hoagland’s of Greenwich provides all the clothes for the event at no cost to the Breast Cancer Alliance. Tickets for the show at the Round Hill Club cost $50 for adults and $25 for kids over three. The venue provided the snacks and refreshments for the guests.
“I have experience with breast cancer among my friends and family, so it’s a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” said Kathy O’Malley Morrissey, the owner of Hoagland’s in Greenwich.
Morrissey knew it was risky to hold a fashion show with kids so young since they’re so spontaneous, but she was glad the show went off without a hitch.
“I thought the event was fabulous. You never know with kids if it’s going to work, and I was thrilled with how well it went—and having these sweet pretty models to top it off!”
Each of the kids was given a big pink breast cancer awareness balloon once they reached the end of the runway. At the end of the show, all of the child models came on stage to wave and toss candy and popcorn out of little woven baskets to the audience’s generous applause.
Many audience members had children in the show, as the models were the children of friends, family, and sponsors of Breast Cancer Alliance who volunteered their time to help make the event happen.
“We rely on volunteers and supporters like who are here today,” said Yonni Wattenmaker, executive director of the Breast Cancer Alliance.
Breast Cancer Alliance was founded in 1996 by breast cancer survivors and their friends. It is one of the largest private breast cancer organizations in the U.S. The Alliance has awarded more than $21 million in grant money to support its mission to improve survival rates and quality of life for those afflicted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment, and the pursuit of a cure.
The Breast Cancer Alliance invests in innovative research, regional education, support, and screening for the underserved. The Alliance has funded one-year post-graduate breast surgery fellowships at more than 25 of the nation’s leading research institutions.
The Alliance also hosts annual fashion shows for adults and teens. The show with adult models occurs on Oct. 27 during breast cancer awareness month at the Hyatt, and is expected to have 900 guests. The teen show is set for April 17.
More information about Breast Cancer Alliance and its programs can be found online at breastcanceralliance.org, and by phone at 203-861-0014.
