The Friends and Fashion fundraiser for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt was nothing short of a smash hit, so much so that the parking garage at Music City Center filled up before noon. Over 800 stylish guests spent the morning sipping, shopping, snapping photos and bidding on fabulous silent auction items — all for a cause close to their hearts.
Afterward, attendees gathered in the Karl Dean Ballroom for a healthy, delicious lunch and a stunning spring fashion show featuring Frances Valentine designs. Emcee and Advisory Board member Tuwanda Coleman welcomed the crowd, reminding everyone that every dollar raised would support Friends Care priorities at Monroe Carell.
Event co-chairs Alyce Ory and Lella Wilbanks thanked presenting sponsor Zander Insurance and introduced Hospital President Dr. Meg Rush, who highlighted the incredible impact guests were making, helping care for over 2,000 young patients daily.
One of the day’s sweetest moments came as Robin Puryear was honored with the inaugural Friends Volunteer ICON Award, a custom-designed Diamond Cellar bangle with eight diamonds representing each of the pediatric departments Friends has helped over the years. Puryear’s tireless work has left an indelible mark, from starting the Red Wagon Project with her daughters to leading million-dollar initiatives.
The energy was palpable as grateful patient families and healthcare heroes took to the runway, including a special debut from two-year-old yellow lab, Velour, an energetic new facility dog who quickly stole hearts. By the end of the afternoon, guests had rallied to raise an additional $20,000, proving once again that fashion, fun, and generosity make the perfect match.
