Charesse Rutherford, both a model, patient and a patient financial advocate for Memorial Health System’s Department of Oncology and Hematology shares a moment with the crowd during the 21st Annual Memorial Health Foundation Annual Fashion Show. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
The Memorial Health Foundation 21st annual Fashion Show, this year with a Masquerade Ball theme, drew a large crowd and raised more than $142,000, with proceeds supporting local cancer patients and related health initiatives.
The annual fundraiser supports the foundation’s cancer patient emergency fund and breast health initiatives, helping individuals undergoing treatment with expenses such as medication, equipment and transportation.
“This is the 21st fashion show, and it’s always been to help support patients right here locally,” foundation Executive Director Jarrett Stull said. “For the last several years, it’s been our cancer patients supporting our breast health initiative and our cancer patient emergency fund.”
Stull told attendees the event reflects strong community support, with more than 1,000 people in attendance.
“I see a community that comes together, that shows up, a community that cares deeply about one another and believes in making a difference,” he said.
Toni Glover struts down the runway at Memorial Health System’s annual Fashion Show Friday at Marietta College. (Photo by Gwen Sour).
As of the start of the fashion show, more than $142,000 had been raised for the evening, contributing to broader fundraising campaigns that support regional health care services.
A key part of the event is its use of cancer patients and survivors as models, highlighting their experiences and resilience.
Tracy Cornell, who participated as a model while undergoing treatment, described the experience as empowering.
“Last year I was still doing chemo, and they asked me, and I was really nervous about walking the stage,” she said. “But it was so empowering.”
Organizers said the event aims not only to raise funds but also to honor those facing cancer and bring awareness to the challenges they encounter.
Helen Wells shows emotion to the cheering crowd as she walks the runway during Memorial Health Foundation’s annual fashion show on Friday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Behind the scenes, local businesses and volunteers help prepare models for the runway, selecting outfits and coordinating styling for the event.
Teri Ann Brockett, owner of Teri Ann’s and one of the merchants responsible for dressing the models, said the process focuses on making each participant feel confident and supported.
“We’re not going to make them look less than perfect and beautiful,” she said.
Organizers said the fashion show has grown into a major community event over the past two decades, raising more than $1 million to support patients throughout their cancer journeys.
“It’s such a special event all the way around,” Stull said. “It’s a big community event that brings together a lot of people to make this successful.”
Dyson-Baudo Recreation Center at Marietta College was filled with more than 1,000 people for the 21st Annual Memorial Health Foundation Fashion Show Friday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Tracy Cornell poses at the end of the runway Friday during the Memorial Health Foundation’s Annual Fashion Show. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Lisa Bibbe poses at the 21st Annual Memorial Health Foundation Fashion Show. (Photo by Gwen Sour)