Rock the Runway Benefits Cancer Patients at UAMS

By Ben Boulden

Stacy Sells, UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Board member and a breast cancer survivor, center, walks the runway at the event.

June 24, 2014 | Little Rock got a taste of New York Fashion Week on June 19 at the second annual Rock the Runway.

 

In front of about 500 guests, the runway show featured the latest fashions from 16 central Arkansas boutiques. Several local cancer survivors were featured models in the show, which benefited the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Fighting Fancy, a nonprofit organization that supports women with cancer.

 

The event’s proceeds, which totaled about $80,000, will be split between the two organizations to fund cancer patient support services.

 

“We appreciate everyone who showed their generosity and support of cancer patients by attending or sponsoring Rock the Runway,” said Peter Emanuel, M.D., UAMS Cancer Institute director.

 

A pre-show cocktail party and the runway show were held in the River Market Pavilion in downtown Little Rock, with a post-party and silent auction held at Cache Restaurant and Lounge. The event was co-chaired by Allyson Pittman and Heather Mason Owens, a breast cancer survivor and founder of Fighting Fancy. Honorary chairperson was breast cancer survivor Penny Burkhalter.

 

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support for the second annual Rock the Runway. With increased attendance and sponsorships, we were able to continue our mission of supporting two very deserving organizations and their patient support services for women battling various forms of cancer,” said Pittman, daughter of UAMS Cancer Institute board member and inflammatory breast cancer survivor Stacy Sells. “We want to help take care of the patients as they go through this journey, so they can focus on fighting their cancer.”

 

Little Rock Soirée was the event’s presenting sponsor.