Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s annual Friends & Fashion fundraiser returns on April 23 at the Music City Center, starting at 10 a.m.
Much more than a fashion show, the event serves as a day of celebration for the community to acknowledge and uplift patients, healthcare workers, and highlight the need for support. The theme for this year’s Friends & Fashion is Spring Garden Party, where attendees can look forward to a colorful and inspirational show. Fashions will be provided by Dillard’s, including a special segment featuring the Frances Valentine collection, alongside pieces from The Friends Shop, located within the hospital.
This year’s event will also recognize the inaugural recipient of the Friends Volunteer Icon Award, Robin Puryear, for her unwavering dedication and support. In addition to the fashion show, guests will have the opportunity to shop at a marketplace featuring Dillard’s and The Friends Shop, which offers exclusive items. The event will also feature a silent auction with a wide range of items, including art, jewelry, spa packages, and unique experiences.
The event has grown into one of the most anticipated charity events in Middle Tennessee. Now welcoming over 800 attendees annually, Friends & Fashion has become a day of celebration for those eager to contribute to Monroe Carell's mission. Each year, patient families from the hospital take center stage as models, showcasing the resilience and strength of the children who benefit from Monroe Carell’s care. Alongside these courageous families, the runway will feature healthcare heroes — staff members who dedicate their lives to providing the best care possible for children.
Over the past decade, Friends & Fashion has raised more than $1.5 million, supporting vital programs at Monroe Carell that often lack necessary funding. These programs include the complex care program, palliative care, and the growth of the hematology/oncology division. This year’s proceeds will specifically help expand inpatient rehabilitation and psychological support services, enhancing the hospital’s ability to care for its young patients.
Tickets are available online and include access to the fashion show, luncheon, and pre-show activities. With each ticket purchased, every donation made, and every auction item bid on, attendees are helping to make a difference in the lives of children and families facing health challenges. (vanderbilthealth.org/ friendsandfashion)