MAY 16, 2026— ROSEN SHINGLE CREEK RESORT, ORLANDO

There’s a runway event happening right here in our backyard this Friday — and it has nothing to do with trends or seasonal collections. It has everything to do with the heart. If you’ve been in the Winter Park community for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard the name Runway to Hope. And if you haven’t, I’m so glad you’re reading this — because what this organization does is genuinely one of the most beautiful things happening in Central Florida. I won’t be there this year. However, I couldn’t let May 16th pass without talking about it. Some things deserve a spotlight, whether you’re in the room or not.

So, What Is Runway to Hope?

Founded right here in Winter Park, Runway to Hope is a nonprofit on a mission to support children and families battling pediatric cancer in Central Florida. What makes them different isn’t just the fundraising — it’s how they show up for families. Here’s the reality no one talks about: when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the medical bills are just the beginning. Rent still comes due. Parents have to buy groceries. Parents miss work. Life doesn’t pause. Runway to Hope fills that gap with their Family Wellness Program. Through this program, they provide direct financial assistance so parents can focus on what matters most — their child.

$1M+ DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTED

650+ FAMILIES SUPPORTED

$4.3M GRANTED TO CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

The Spring Soiree — A Night Like No Other

Every year, Runway to Hope hosts their Spring Soiree, and it is the event. This Friday is their 14th Annual, held at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Resort — and the centerpiece of the evening is something that will make your heart so full. Over 100 children currently in treatment get to walk the runway. Not in a hospital gown. In outfits they picked themselves — because weeks before the event, these kids are invited to a special shopping experience at Bloomingdale’s, where they get to choose exactly what they want to wear. It’s called the Bloomingdale’s Bash Weekend. This event transforms what is typically such a hard season into something filled with joy, excitement, and confidence.

“Over 100 children currently in treatment will get dressed up and walk the runway — met with applause, encouragement, and a room full of people cheering just for them.”

The evening also features a luxury live auction, celebrity escorts for the young models, exquisite dining, and 2,500+ guests all gathered for one purpose: to make sure no family faces pediatric cancer alone.

Why I Love This So Much

As someone who genuinely believes fashion can be a form of confidence and self-expression — seeing it used this way, to celebrate kids who are fighting the hardest battle of their lives, just hits differently. These children aren’t patients for one night. They’re models. They’re the stars of the show. And they deserve every single second of it.

Runway to Hope is a 4-star rated charity on Charity Navigator, which means your dollars are going exactly where they say they are — directly back into this community, to real families right here in Central Florida.

Even if you’re not attending Friday’s event, there are ways to support: donate, bid in their online auction, or simply share this with someone who didn’t know about them. Awareness matters just as much as dollars sometimes.

Want to support Runway to Hope or learn more about their mission? Head over to their website — and tell them Winter Park sent you. 🎗️