Last weekend Jeff and some friends of ours attended Runway on the Rapids, a fashion show benefitting the Multiple Sclerosis Program at Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences. The event was held at the gorgeous JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids and highlighted the latest styles from JB and Me, Slate, Lee & Birch, Lennon & Willow, Blue Crab Designs, Bella Furs and The Shoppe at Saint Mary's. And the finale this year was by Memphis, Tennessee fashion designer, Siss Viss.
Now, I'm a HUGE fan of the fine art of people watching (I should have been an anthropologist) so this fashion show thing took my hobby to a whole new level. Watching the models strut their stuff down the catwalk adorning the latest fashion trends from local shops was an excellent way to spend our Friday night. Our tickets included entry to the event and appetizers. There was a cash bar and a silent auction - and you know you can count on us Kladder's to enjoy a good donation towards baskets full of movie tickets or Monica's Gourmet Cookies.
The show has now been running for over 10 years and is championed by it's fearless and passionate leaders Alyssa Locke, Show Co-Creator/Producer/Director and Kim VanOeffelen, Show Co-Creator. Both with a background in the beauty and salon industry, the event is the perfect fit to help promote awareness and raise money for the cause.
At the event I learned that Multiple Sclerosis is a potentially disabling disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system attacks the nerve fibers causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Sometimes the nerves deteriorate and are permanently damaged. There is currently no cure for MS and the funds raised at Runway on the Rapids go towards patient rehabilitation, diagnosis, long-term care and research trials right here in West Michigan.
Not only did we learn about MS, but we thoroughly enjoyed our Friday night double-date-night with friends. I warned Jeff not to be alarmed of the future charge to our credit card at Lee & Birch because they've got some pretty adorable dresses on the rack this Spring. They have their one year anniversary event coming up this weekend at their Rockford store if you want to see what I'm talking about. Guys, they'll have succulents!
Cheers to Runway on the Rapids for a wonderful event benefitting a fantastic cause! Glad to be a part of it.
Photography courtesy of Runway on the Rapids.