STATEN ISLAND N.Y.— Fam First Foundation Inc. kicked off Fashion 4 a Cure to raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and support its mission of finding cures and saving children from cancer and other deadly diseases.
The event included a fashion show, awards ceremony, vendors, food and live musical performances Saturday afternoon at Labetti Post in Grasmere.
Fam First Foundation Inc. honored community leaders who made significant contributions to the borough in 2025.
The honorees were Marcia Herrera, Valerie Dudley, The Distinguished Gentleman Organization, Shorty’s Roti Shop, and Frances Singletary.
They were selected for their excellence in various fields and having strengthened the community through their work by embodying the spirit of leadership.
Richmond County Public Administrator Edwina Martin presented honorees with citations from the borough’s various elected officials. Jacqueline T. Lopardo emceed the event.
Their stories, marked by perseverance and dedication, highlight the diverse ways in which residents impact the borough and pave the way for the future generation.
The event, which drew approximately 50 attendees, was not only a testament to the power of giving back, but also a vibrant showcase of Staten Island’s youngest fashion models.
During the program, multiple local designers presented their custom youth clothing pieces on the runway.
“I am here to support the children of St. Jude and to show off my fashions, which will be in the fashion show,” said Evelyn Drake, owner of Edgewear Designs, a denim upcycling brand. “I like to feminize denim by upcycling it and making it new.”
The event served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength found in giving back to children fighting cancer.
For the host, the event was a time to honor and donate to kids who are diagnosed with childhood cancer.
“Parents of children with childhood cancer should only have to worry about their child’s overall medical care, not bills or finances,” said Lopardo. “St. Jude’s offers their services to all parents and families for free because of charitable work and donations made to support the important work they do.”
In the spirit of giving back, this fashion show was more than just an event — it was a declaration of the community’s commitment to uplift and recognize the most vulnerable in society, organizers said.
“It’s really exhilarating because it’s all of us here in Staten Island coming together to support something that affects all of us, from young to old,” said Lopardo. “I love to see the kids, from the smallest to the tallest, walk and give what they’ve got. This show provides them with the opportunity to even pursue something that they might want to do later on, or even now, within the fashion world.”