Notable Chicagoans To Walk The Runway at Rush University’s 87th Annual Fashion Show

Known to be

one of the most prestigious social fundraising events in Chicago, the Woman’s

Board of Rush University Medical Center will host its annual fashion gala on Thursday,

October 17th at 7:30pm at the Palmer House Hilton (17 East

Monroe).   This year’s theme,

“Breathtaking,” will feature philanthropists, sports figures and leading

Chicagoans walking the runway in a variety of designs from eleven featured

retailers which include Anne Fontaine,

Chalk, Champagne & Caviar Bespoke, Frances Heffernan, Lake Forest Shop,

Marian Michael, Max Mara, Neopolitan, Paul Stuart, Ralph Lauren and School of Art Institute.  The event  will support the advacement of science behind

the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, an area of medical research for

which The Woman’s Board has committed to raising $500,000.

Approximately

700 people will gather for an evening of fashion and fun that includes a

cocktail reception, runway showcase, post-show party and raffle.   Stanley Cup Champion Jamal Mayers will unveil

designs from his men’s custom suit collection, Champagne & Caviar Bespoke. Those confirmed to walk the runway are

 Kerry

Wood, Brittney Payton, Jerry Azumah, Anna Davlantes, Conor Dwyer, Sylvie

Ricketts, Jim Cornelison, Sarah Wood, Ed Swiderski, Tom Waddle, Kim DeJesus,

David Kaplan, Danni Allen, Rob Johnson, Lauren Donovan,  Eric Ferguson, Sarah Spain, Corey McPherrin,

Julie Latsko, and many more.




“This is our

biggest event of the year and we are proud to be raising funds for the early

detection of Lung Cancer and supporting the dynamic work of Dr. Bonomi, Dr.

Liptay and Dr. Borgia at Rush University,” explains Kate Peterson, Fashion Show

Chairman.




Now in it’s

87th year, the  Rush

University Medical Center Fashon Show continues to be the largest and oldest continuously

running charitable fashion show in the country and to date has raised

approximately $20 million.  The Woman's

Board began its fundraising 132 years ago, holding events such as balls,

bicycle teas, bazaars and fairs.  In

October 1927 the first fashion show was held in the ballroom of the former

Stevens Hotel, with an afternoon show followed by a tea and dinner show.  In 1995, the Show returned to the evening

only format.  In addition to the Stevens

Hotel, the Fashion Show has been presented in the Civic Opera House, Orchestra

Hall, The Medinah Temple and The Symphony Center.  In 2009, the show moved to The Palmer




House and

featured a new runway format.  Over the

years, leaders from Chicago’s business, social and philanthropic communities

and their children and grandchildren have joined celebrities, media and sports

personalities as volunteer models in the show. 

The audience is always represented by an impressive roster of who’s who

in Chicago!




The mission

of The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center is to work in

partnership with the Medical Center to provide the very best care for its

patients, and to support the Medical Center’s education and research endeavors,

community service programs, and relationships which enhance excellence in

patient care for the diverse communities of the Chicago area, now and in the

future.  The Woman’s Board has endowed Chairs

in Pediatrics and Child Psychiatry, endowed a College of Nursing Scholarship

and directed funds to the Medical Center’s most promising and important

programs in excess of $30 million.




Tickets for

“Breathtaking” are $325 per person general admission and $500 per person VIP

and include entry to the pre-show cocktail buffet, fashion show and post-show

cocktail reception. Seating assignments will be held at the door the night of

the event.  For tickets or information

please contact the Woman’s Board office at 312.942.6513 or visit the website at

www.thefashionshow.org.