Runway to Hope’s mission is to provide direct support and aid to Central Florida children and their families impacted by pediatric cancer. Through partnerships with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Florida Hospital for Children, and Nemours Children’s Hospital, Runway to Hope fosters collaborative efforts among corporations, local businesses, and philanthropists to not only raise funds and awareness, but also to bring new programs and initiatives to the pediatric cancer community.
Through the Runway to Hope Family Assistance Program, direct aid is provided to families who are in desperate need of assistance. Runway to Hope helps cover expenses such as gas, water, electricity, mortgage, car payments, and sadly, at times, funeral and end-of-life expenses.
The beloved event has been named “Best Charity Event” a combined total of fourteen times in its eight-year existence by the Orlando Business Journal, Orlando Magazine, and Orlando Style. Runway to Hope was also the recipient of the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation Creating Change Honoree by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Florida Chapter. This award was in recognition of National Philanthropy Day in 2017.
In association with their Spring Fashion Soiree, Runway to Hope hosts a Bash Weekend for over 150 models to come celebrate at Bloomingdale’s Orlando and pick their outfit to strut their stuff on the runway! Our core team, committee members and amazing volunteers create these special days, giving the children and their families a much needed and well-deserved time away from hospitals, doctors, treatment, medicine and the other challenges they often endure on a daily basis. Bloomingdale’s and their immensely kind-hearted staff not only open their doors to more than 150 children and their families, but they also generously donate the outfits to each child so they will feel and look their best on the night of the Spring Fashion Soiree. This year, Runway to Hope’s Bash Weekend took place on March 10th and 11th at Bloomingdale’s Orlando at The Mall at Millenia.
The Runway to Hope Spring Fashion Soiree is the organization’s signature fundraising event of the year. The highlight of the evening is an inspiring and heartwarming fashion show featuring more than 150 incredible children, ages 2 through 18, who are currently battling or have overcome cancer. The kids will walk hand in hand with national and local celebrities. In addition to the fashion show, guests will have the opportunity to bid on auction items as well as to dine on gourmet food prepared by the renowned chefs at Rosen Shingle Creek.
These events create a moment in time when cancer does not take center stage in the lives of these young children and their families. If you would like to donate to Runway to Hope or to volunteer at one of our events, please visit the website at www.runwaytohope.org for more information.
