Mark your calendars for April 2^nd as the Music City Center transforms into a hub of glamour and giving for a cause close to our hearts. The Friends & Fashion event, organized by Friends of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, promises a day of style, solidarity and support.

 

Kicking off at 10am, attendees are invited to indulge in the ultimate shopping experience with an exclusive auction featuring over 100 glamorous items. From coveted cosmetic procedures to luxurious girls’ trips, there’s something for everyone. Peruse on-site pop-ups showcasing Dillard’s top brands – a perfect opportunity to treat yourself or find something special while contributing to a worthy cause. The highlight of the day begins at 11:30am with a fabulous luncheon and fashion show with Tuwanda Coleman, former producer and host of Talk of the Town and a Monroe Carell Advisory Board Member, serving as emcee for the event. But this isn’t just any fashion show – it’s a celebration of resilience and hope, as patients of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital share their inspiring stories through the art of fashion while also walking the runway themselves.

 

Friends of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is more than just a volunteer organization – it’s a community dedicated to supporting the mission of the hospital. Through fundraising, community awareness, and services to patients and their families, Friends is vital in ensuring every child receives the care they need and deserve. The need for support for patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is significant, and you can make a tangible difference. Whether through a donation to this year’s Friends & Fashion event or by becoming an annual supporter, your contribution will directly impact the lives of children and families facing medical challenges.

 

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt provides hope and healing for children across the region. As the most comprehensive children’s hospital in the state, it provides a range of primary and sub-specialty services tailored to meet the unique healthcare needs of children, from newborns to young adults. One person (of many) who has directly benefited from the Children’s Hospital is Lauren Hocker. Her stepson required emergency surgery when he was twelve years old, and she says that the facilities, doctors and staff at the hospital were truly remarkable. “I’ve been a dedicated supporter ever since,” says Lauren.

 

Her dedication has led her to be one of this year’s co-chairs for the Friends & Fashion event, along with Lacey Keally and Kelli Dill. “Each year, Friends & Fashion showcases the mission of Monroe Carell as families with an experience at the hospital serve as the models – truly inspirational,” says Lauren. “Our primary objective is to raise funds for Monroe Carell. This year’s event will direct funds towards growth in the hospital’s pediatric rehabilitation and psychological services, and a vision for the first and only pediatric inpatient rehabilitation facility in the state. As a parent myself, I cannot fathom the mental and financial challenges these families face. Expansion of rehabilitation services for children in our region will certainly provide a glimmer of hope in what is undoubtedly a difficult situation.” 

 

Each year, many of the previous sponsors return to support the cause and event, and the co-chairs aim to envision something fresh and distinct from previous years. “Our primary focus is building a great event with fresh ideas, filling the room with supporters and, of course, netting the maximum amount of funds we can support the hospital! A successful fundraising event directly benefits families at Monroe Carell, like those our guests will see walk the runway at the event,” Lauren says. “In addition to having families serve as models this year, our attendees will also see healthcare heroes walking the runway. The program will include a Q&A between a rehabilitation patient and a pediatric physical therapist who cared for several of the patients who, thanks to the care received, will be able to walk the runway! To add to the excitement, we’re setting up high-end, interactive cosmetic pop-ups at the front marketplace, sure to be a hit among the attendees.”