ORLANDO, Fla. – As over 2,000 guests cheered on over 100 Central Florida children battling pediatric cancer, over $1 million dollars…and still counting…was raised Saturday night at Runway to Hope’s 11th Annual Spring Soirée!

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings also served as an escort to a younger model currently battling pediatric cancer diagnosis. Photo by Shreyank Tripathi / Florida National News.

Runway to Hope’s 11th Annual Spring Soirée, Central Florida’s largest and most popular charity gala, was hosted this past Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel & Resort, by Orlando’s very own Johnny Magic with special Celebrity Guests Ryan Cabrera and Alexa Bliss. The evening was opened by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and Kissimee Mayor Olga Gonzalez, all taking the stage together to commence the night’s celebration.

This event featured over 100+ incredibly brave children, all of whom are currently battling or have overcome their pediatric cancer, all excited to walk the runway, each one outfitted to match their unique personalities with the help from Runway to Hope’s remarkable volunteers. All outfits were generously donated by the Runway Sponsor for the event, Bloomingdale’s Orlando. All of the “models” made their way down the Runway, to the thunderous crowd approval, hand-in-hand with one of the many national and local celebrities in attendance.

The 90+ celebrity escorts included personalities from each of Central Florida’s local television and radio stations, state and local elected officials, athletes, health care professionals from each of the three Central Florida Children’s hospitals, and many more. Also in attendance were over a dozen of Runway to Hope’s HOPE Ambassadors, whom are some of the extraordinary young men and women who have either surpassed their five year cancer remission mark or have turned 18 years of age. Serving as escorts to the younger models currently battling their own pediatric cancer diagnosis, these young warriors are giving back and serve as an inspiration to others still in treatment.

Other highlights from the evening included special appearances by Central Florida’s very own Congressman, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, as well as wrestler Dean “Mojo” Muhtadi, who energized and entertained the audience as he hoisted Runway to Hope Co-Founder, Mark NeJame, over his shoulders, as they raised additional funds for the cause.

2023 Runway to Hope presenting sponsor Harris Rosen (r) the founder of the Harris Rosen Foundation is speaking with former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

Runway to Hope was proud to welcome over 100 generous sponsors for the evening. In addition to Bloomingdale’s Orlando, Runway to Hope also welcomed Presenting Sponsors, The Harris Rosen Foundation and Bentley of Orlando. Also responsible for the success of the night were many in-kind sponsors, including 407Creative, The Paper Bar Co., Fun Planners, Fused Fashion, Prive Salon, Atmospheres Florals, as well as others. Hampton Water Rose, Tito’s Vodka, Pepsi as well as Aspire with Us Orlando provided all of the attendees with their pre-function wine, champagne, cocktails, and other beverages. A full list of Sponsors for the evening, please visit RunwaytoHope.org/SpringSoirée.

All Proceeds raised from Runway to Hope’s 11th Annual Spring Soirée as well as other various events hosted throughout the year, including Runway to Hope’s Sparkle & Shine 5k in September, go directly back into the community to fund their year-round Family Assistance Program. Proceeds also go towards bringing new programs and initiatives to the three local children’s hospitals here in Central Florida.

Runway to Hope has announced the date for next year’s Spring Soirée; Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at Rosen Shingle Creek