Community Corner
Fashion show raises nearly $2,000 for Make-A-Wish
The fashion show was presented by Watersound Fountains, a local independent living community, and included local seniors as the models
Members of Watersound Fountains, an independent living community in Inlet Beach, harnessed their zest for life and passion for helping others to good use this month. The community hosted a “Fashion Show for a Cause,” a fundraising event to support Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida, that featured members of the community as the models.
The May 16 event raised $1,975 for Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida that will be used to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
“We’re so grateful for the support of our community in helping to raise funds and awareness for Make-A-Wish,” said Kathleen Hampton, director of development for Make-A-Wish Northwest Region of Florida. “The funds raised translate into life-changing experiences for the children and their families. From magical trips to Disney World to unforgettable private parties, meeting beloved celebrities, and embarking on incredible family journeys, these wishes will create memories that last a lifetime.”
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Local Wish Alumni, 8-year old Vyla Ward and her family attended the fashion show and shared their story with attendees. Vyla was diagnosed with a rare type of kidney cancer when she was four years old. Make-A-Wish granted her wish of visiting Disney World, staying at the Grand Floridian and undergoing a magical transformation into a princess at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
“When Vyla was hospitalized, she would ask her doctors when she was going to go to Disney,” said Vyla’s mother, Kirsten Ward. “I remember going to Disney for the first time after her treatment and it was so special because we didn’t know we would be able to go again. When we walked through the gates, I cried.”
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Currently, more than 40 children in the Florida panhandle are waiting for their wishes to be granted by Make-A-Wish. Six of them live in Walton and Okaloosa counties.
“We’re so grateful to play a part in granting the wishes of these children,” said Melissa Adams, executive director of Watersound Fountains. “Make-A-Wish is a wonderful organization that makes a direct impact on the lives of children in our community. I’m confident this will be the first of many events we plan together with the dedicated and caring staff at Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida.”
During the fashion show, members of the community age 62 and better modeled clothes from local retail stores Dillard’s and J. McLaughlin. The seniors hit the runway with pizazz and engaged attendees in the event. After the runway show, attendees were able to vote on their favorite looks.
The Simpson Group: Christie’s International Real Estate Emeral Coast, and other local businesses sponsored the event. For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Kathleen Hampton, Director of Development, NW Region of Florida, Make-A-Wish Central & Northern Florida, 407-622-4673, ext. 201, khampton@cnfl.wish.org.
About Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida:
Make-A-Wish® Central and Northern Florida create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bringevery eligible child's wish to life because every child deserves a childhood. Research shows children who have wishesgranted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. Together with generous donors,supporters, staff and more than 24,000 volunteers across the nation, Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida and 57 otherchapters throughout the U.S. have granted more than 600,000 wishes nationwide. For more information about Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida, visit wish.org/cnfl.
About Watersound Fountains
Located in Inlet Beach, Florida, Watersound Fountains is a 148-apartment independent living community located at 65 Origins Parkway. The community offers resort-style amenities including four unique dining venues, a fitness studio, salon and spa, wellness center, swimming pool, indoor golf simulator, and outdoor putting green. Residents also have access to award-winning programming through Watermark University. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, Watersound Fountains is committed to creating an extraordinary and innovative community where people thrive. For more information, visit https://watersound.watermarkcommunities.com.