Photo Gallery Alert: Additional photos are available for viewing MySweetCharity’s “Photo Gallery”
The Children’s Cancer Fund Beyond the Rainbow fashion show/luncheon is always a wonderland of heroic children, celebrities from all walks of life and adulating adults. Before the official event even starts, the pre-event goings-on are worth the price of admission. Friday at the Hilton Anatole was no different except. . . but more about that later.
In one room VIP’s lined up for visits and autographs with honorary chairs Roger Staubach and Daryl Johnston, who was subbing in for Troy Aikman. It seemed Troy, who has been in attendance for the past 12 years, had a commitment that precluded his being on hand. On the sidelines stood Marianne Staubach, who flawlessly handles her role at Mrs. Roger to a T.
Another person whom guests might not have recognized was Fred Shapiro, whose daughter Melinda is a veteran CCF survivor. Having organized the SBB Annual Golf Classic two year ago to benefit CCF, Fred was checking with Roger about his participation in the September 19th tournament.
In the another room it was a totally different scene. Instead of adults being rather proper, a multitude of children, clowns, stylists and good sports were having a grand times. While the boys preferred to play with balloons and run around, the girls enjoyed the pampering of makeup artists and hair stylists. They had no idea that all these preparations would lead up to an event that would add to the $7 million CCF has raised since 1982 for cancer research in Dallas. But who would blame them with the Tooth Fairy, Chuck E. Cheez and Dallas Cowboys Rowdy hanging with them.
But these weren’t just ordinary kiddos. Nope, these children were cancer survivors, who were the heroes of the day. As the time wound down for their walks on the catwalk, 7-year-old Kaitlin Cooper sat at the steps leading up to the runway in the Chantilly Ballroom. Having been diagnosed with cancer at the age of three, she was a real trooper in the world of healthcare. But modeling was another thing. This would be her first time for CCF’s event and she was trying to remember to throw a kiss to the audience — always a crowd pleaser according to reports.
Kaitlin’s mother, Rénee Cooper with her long brown hair had learned so much from her daughter’s journey through treatments. It was that experience that inspired Rénee to become part of 46 Momma’s in September. What is 46 Mommas? It’s 46 women across the country, who will shave their heads in an effort to create greater awareness and raise funds for children’s cancer research. How did they get the name? 46 children are diagnosed daily with leukemia cancer.
But then it was nearing show time as the houselights came up, the Anatole staff stood at attention and the Kings and Queen’s backdrop of a castle glowed in lights of green, blue, yellow and red. Within minutes the place was filled and Troy sent his apologies via a video.
After Roger and Daryl escorted luncheon co-chairs Amy Maurer and Summer Olmstead to the podium to
thank the audience, Scott Murray took over with auctioneer Matt Blevins in from Fort Worth with his entourage. Stomping his ostrich boots on the runway, Matt was in overdrive as if he were heading up the Fat Stock Show auction for the prized bull.
In closing the lively cash raising, Dr. Raven Cooksey and Anthony Johnson Jr. put a shout out for contributions from the guests. To help gather the envelopes Daryl, Drew Pearson and Tony Dorsett were on hand from an eager crowd.
Then it was on with the show of youngsters modeling clothes from Dillard’s. No, stylists selected the clothes. The children picked out their own outfits and got to keep them as a gift from Dillard’s. One insider confided that the guys generally went for the surfer duds, while the little ladies headed straight to the dressy outfits.
With KDFW-FOX’s Clarice Tinsley and Steve Eager doing the commentary, the 38 child models included the CCF artists (Kelsey Oudshoorn, Jose Olalde Garcia, Sinoury Lindsey, Lisa Adams, Alianna Gavalya, Reece Hokit, Natalie Burraston, Jack Barker, Maykela Burchfield, Kaitlin Cooper, Anthony Johnson Jr., Jorge Palomo, Shae Henderson, Summer Simons, Madison Sikes, Abraheem Khan, Michael Malone, Da’Coren Littleton, Miracle Francis and Mary Margaret Deering) and the Rainbow models (Destiny Camacho, Bevanna Cardona, Emma Cruz, Roberto Cruz Espinosa, Jordan Flint, Kyle Freeland, Callie Horne, Ian Loven, Jocelyn Lozano, Jannett Maldonado, Brenda Solis, Carolina Suarez, Ivana Vachha, Nivea Verver, Allison Wright, Jameka Woodberry, Carmen Woolard and Shah Zohair).
At the close of the show, 11-year old CCF fav Averi Moya helped Clarice and Steve pull the winning raffle tickets from baskets.
Then it was former Dallas Mavericks player/cancer survivor Ray Johnston, who played the closing song as the parade of children made their finale walk.
Remember about how this year’s CCF event was a tad bit different? When asked why the music seemed more classical and slow moving than years in the past, CFF fashion show producer Rhonda Sargent Chambers said it was because the more elegant music seemed to fit with the castle and royalty theme.
Then, hesitating, Rhonda continued that this year’s event was an especially poignant one for the organizers. Longtime CCF volunteer Shelley Shwiff, who had battled breast cancer for nine years, died in January. Through her years with CCF, Shelley had served on the board of directors, advisory board, chaired the luncheon and “was still giving herself to the cause until the very end.” Despite her death, Shelley was represented by the numerous friends who bought tables in her name. As one friend put, “I just know Shelley was there in spirit today.” In the years to come, one couldn’t help but suspect that she’ll still be there for the children.
Paige Schnabel says
What sweet stories! And that surprising stat: 46 children are diagnosed with leukemia every day… Wow. Thanks for sharing, Jeanne!
Renee Cooper says
Actually it is 46 Children are diagnosed with Cancer each day. It is not just one type-it is various cancers. Thank You so much for running this Jeanne. It sometimes seems like there are very few who are actually working to one day find a cure for our kiddos.
ps-That is a HORRID pic of me. Gotta’ give warning before you take a pic 😉