Roundup River Ranch/Courtesy photo
For its second year, the Roundup Runway fashion show will showcase the latest styles from Vail Village boutique, Perch, while benefiting Roundup River Ranch.
Roundup Runway is Laurie O’Connell’s vision. As the owner of Perch, she created this event to celebrate fashion while giving back to the community she loves.
“Fashion is meant to inspire and entertain, and I love bringing that energy to our community. When the fashion show concept came about, I felt there was no better way to channel that excitement into something meaningful, so I reached out to see if Roundup River Ranch would be interested,” O’Connell said.
“We were incredibly honored to have Laurie generously select Roundup River Ranch as the beneficiary. Laurie brings the artistic direction, curates the fashion and designs the experience, and we collaborate on engaging the community and sharing our mission,” said Sarah Johnson, president and CEO of Roundup River Ranch, which is part of actor and philanthropist Paul Newman’s SeriousFun Children’s Network that provides medically-supported camp experiences for children with life-altering diagnoses.
“As a nonprofit providing camp completely free of charge, fundraising is essential — a lifeline. Events like this allow us to remove financial barriers so children can experience belonging, confidence and independence in a medically-safe environment,” Johnson said.
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On March 12, guests are invited to Chasing Rabbits in Vail Village to see many locals model fashions. All models are volunteering their time for the community. They are local leaders, musicians, doctors, professionals and familiar faces who step onto the runway not for recognition, but for impact.
“This year will feel even more dynamic, with an expanded space at Chasing Rabbits that allows more guests to attend and support Roundup River Ranch,” Johnson said. “Laurie continues to elevate the fashion and overall experience, and we’re excited to have the local Faherty Vail store involved as a clothing partner, bringing its signature mountain-inspired style to the runway. We’ve also seen even greater enthusiasm from community leaders eager to participate.”
Roundup River Ranch is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. For two decades, local volunteers, donors and families have made nearly 40,000 camper experiences possible, amplifying the belief in the power of camp.
“This philanthropic fashion venture beautifully reflects what 20 years has shown us, which is that this community shows up. Roundup Runway is a celebration of that shared commitment and the next chapter ahead,” Johnson said. “Every ticket purchased, paddle raised and live auction sale helps ensure that children from Vail, Denver and beyond can experience independence, confidence and pure joy at camp, at no cost to their families.”
“Last year, our first event was a huge success,” O’Connell said. “We are looking forward to making it even bigger and better on March 12.”
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