Fashion & Hope Marks 14 Years

By Maha Chaudhry

“Raising $200,000 in one event is mind-blowing to me and honestly, quite emotional. My goal is for Fashion & Hope to establish itself as a staple in Orlando, an event known not just for the experience it delivers but for the lasting impact it creates.” – J.R. Tanghal

When fashion meets philanthropy, something extraordinary happens. For more than a decade, the Hope for More Foundation has been redefining what it means to give back through dynamic, community-centered events that blend culture, style, and compassion. At the heart of this movement is Fashion & Hope, a runway show that has become one of Orlando’s most anticipated annual fundraisers.

Founded on the principle of helping local families and organizations in innovative ways, the Hope for More Foundation partners with nonprofits to raise funds and awareness through unique events. This year, Fashion & Hope shattered records, raising an astonishing $200,000 – proof that when community and creativity come together, lives are transformed.

A Mission Beyond the Runway

For President of the Hope for More Foundation, J.R. Tanghal, the foundation’s driving force, the mission is deeply personal. “Hope for More’s mission is to partner with non-profits to raise funds and awareness thru non-traditional and unique events,” Tanghal explains. “Working with Give Hope Foundation and their mission to help families facing pediatric cancer matched our mission. The power of helping extends far beyond just the families – we’ve even had models and celebrity models who survived cancer at one stage or another in their life.”

One story that embodies this impact is the long-standing collaboration with designer Claudia Gutierrez, whose son is a cancer survivor. “We met over a decade ago as I was hosting this Fashion Show for Make-A-Wish. Claudia wanted to work together to ensure families going through what she went through always had someone in their corner. It’s been tremendous to work together this long,” Tanghal reflects.

The Growth of Hope for More

What started as a Christmas canned food drive has now evolved into a powerhouse nonprofit, known for its signature Anti-Gala and Fashion & Hope events. “Over the years, we’ve grown to 2–3 events annually, each generating over six figures for local charities,” Tanghal says with pride. The foundation’s newest revival, the Anti Golf tournament, blends philanthropy with playfulness, bringing a fresh audience into the fold.

And none of this would be possible without the volunteers, local businesses, and community partners who bring each event to life. “We 100% could not do any events without their support,” Tanghal emphasizes. “There are so many moving parts… we simply couldn’t do it all. Those who want to get involved can always reach us at hopeformorefoundation.org.”

Fashion & Hope: 

Orlando’s Style-Driven Fundraiser

Now in its 14th year, Fashion & Hope has grown from a small gathering of 150 guests to a sold-out spectacle with more than 600 in attendance. “Raising $200,000 in one event is mind-blowing to me and honestly, quite emotional,” Tanghal admits. “My goal is for Fashion & Hope to establish itself as a staple in Orlando, an event known not just for the experience it delivers but for the lasting impact it creates.”

This year’s runway showcased an impressive lineup of local and national talent, including Downtown Divas, Leonardo’s on 5th Avenue, Frieda Christine Jewelry by Loretta Josephine, Tommy Bahama, JEFRE’s Runway x Gallery Art in Motion, Hemline Winter Park, Forema, House on Lang, Hugo Boss, Adjectives Market, LaCastro, Labella Intimates, Depalma World, and Claudia Gutierrez Swimwear. For Tanghal, the show feels like family: “Many of these boutiques have been with us for over a decade. It’s like a reunion every year. The event thrives because everyone shares the same mission — using our platforms to do something good for more than just ourselves.”

A Legacy of Hope

Beyond the glittering lights and curated fashion, Fashion & Hope is about connection, resilience, and community. For Tanghal, the event has become synonymous with his own journey in philanthropy. “I could talk about this event my entire life. I feel like Fashion & Hope and I are the same thing these days. Starting this as a small promotional event, then watching it grow into its own signature event, it gets the best of me,” he shares. “To have the community come together annually really blows me away. People want to be involved in the show.”

As the Hope for More Foundation continues to grow, one thing remains clear: its heartbeat is the community it serves – families facing unimaginable challenges, designers and volunteers lending their talents, and supporters who believe in the transformative power of giving.

Stay tuned for next year as Fashion for Hope returns again, stronger, with an unstoppable mission to create massive impact in the heart of our city.