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 10, more than 200 guests gathered at the Loading Dock in Stamford to celebrate Catwalk 6.  This year, the fashion show featured this season’s hottest accessories as Saks of Greenwich dressed a dozen models in basic black and white and then put on a fantastic showcase of bags, shoes, scarves and sunglasses on 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 sixth 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 Susan Campion, Nancy Cardone, Lisa Carpenter, Rob Carpenter, Geri Corrigan, Carol Ann Coughlin, Jennifer D’Errico, Andrea Dunnam, Karen Hauben, Julia Marx, Anne-Marie Queally, Suzanne Turner and Astrid Weismann.

A signature part of the event is the “IT BAG” raffle.  More than a dozen designer bags are on display and part of the raffle that raises $20,000 each year. Handbags for the 2016 event included Louis Vuitton, Khirma Eliazov and Tory Burch. Nancy Cardone, a member of the committee and editor of Marie Claire magazine, auctioned off a day at her workplace for three lucky high school and college students to receive an inside look into the world of a high-fashion magazine.  The live auction item helped boost event revenue by $12,000. As an added bonus, Catwalk guests had the opportunity to shop in the Saks pop-up shop, where they could purchase items fresh off the runway. This netted more than $11,000 for JDRF. Thanks to our committee, dedicated staff and generous supporters, the chapter was able to hit budget and reach its goal of $100,000!

Guests left with a goodie bag and a handbag shaped cookie made by Sweet Lisa’s of Greenwich.  We look forward to Catwalk 7 in 2017!

Click here to view photos from Catwalk 6. Thank you to Serendipity Magazine and Mary Harold for photographing the event.