JDRF’s Catwalk, “an afternoon of Fashion, Food and Friends for a cure”, is the official beginning of spring to the JDRF fashion crowd.  On March 7, more than 220 guests gathered at the Loading Dock in Stamford to celebrate Catwalk 7.  This year, the fashion show featured this season’s hottest looks as Darien Sport Shop dressed a dozen models and youth models to strut down the runway.

The event, chaired by Anastasia Brien of Greenwich and Jen Fitzpatrick of Darien is a fundraiser for JDRF and their tireless efforts to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D).  JDRF is the leading global organization funding T1D research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested nearly $2 billion in research funding since inception.

The event, now in its seventh year is a success due to the efforts of a large committee, who volunteer their time and efforts making sure each year is spectacular.  Members of the committee include Nancy Berger, Susan Campion, Lisa and Rob Carpenter, Geri Corrigan, Carol Ann Coughlin, Jennifer D’Errico, Karen Hauben, Liz Kenny, Debbie Nelson, Anne-Marie Queally, Bridget Queally, Theresa Stagg, Suzanne Turner, Astrid Weismann and Natalie Wiegenfeld.

A signature part of the event is the “IT BAG” raffle.  More than 20 designer bags are on display and part of the raffle that raised a record-breaking $24,500 this year. Handbags for the 2017 event included Burberry, Dooney & Bourke, Ferragamo, Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, Prada and more.

A Grand Prize raffle was a diamond necklace from D’Errico Jewelry of Scarsdale, and raised over $4,500! Guests shopped the Darien Sport Shop pop up shop then left with goodie bags with items from Shiseido, Zotos, Zen Bronze, Lanphier, Rodan + Fields, and more.  Thanks to our committee, dedicated staff and generous supporters, Catwalk exceeded its goal, raising nearly $110,000!  We look forward to Catwalk 8 in 2018!

Click here to view photos of Catwalk 7. Thank you to Mary Harold and The LOOK for photographing the event. Find photos in the summer issue of Serendipity Magazine.