A Legacy in Style and Support : Morning Star’s Runway for Giving Fashion Show

Morning Star’s 63rd Runway for Giving Fashion Show was a smashing success, raising vital funds to support our school and the incredible students and families we serve.

To celebrate this year’s success, we thought it would be fun to take a little trip down memory lane. After all, a tradition that has lasted 63 years deserves a moment in the spotlight.

• Where It All Began
  The story of Runway for Giving began in 1962 when ten dedicated women learned of a new Catholic school for children with intellectual disabilities and wanted to support its mission. They organized the very first Morning Star Auxiliary Fashion Show and Luncheon, selling tickets for just $2. What started as a small community fundraiser quickly became a beloved annual event bringing together friends, families, and supporters who believed in Morning Star’s mission.

  Over the decades, the fashion show grew in both style and impact. Hundreds of guests have attended throughout the years, enjoying fashions from well known retailers and local boutiques while helping raise funds to support the specialized education and programs Morning Star students need to thrive.

• And Now… the Best Models on the Runway
  Which brings us to one of the most meaningful changes in the fashion show over the last few years. In the past, Runway for Giving featured traditional runway models. Recently, however, we made a shift that better reflects the heart of Morning Star.

  Today, our students take center stage.

  Over the last few years, the show has moved away from standard models and now features Morning Star students proudly walking the runway. It has quickly become one of the most anticipated and joyful parts of the event. Watching our students strut their stuff in front of a cheering crowd is a powerful reminder of why Morning Star exists in the first place.

  We’ve attached some of our favorite photos from this year’s show so you can see the magic for yourself. Click here to view the highlights.

• More Than a Fashion Show
  Runway for Giving is more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of inclusion, community, and possibility. The event also gives us the opportunity to share the mission of Morning Star and help our guests better understand what goes into educating and supporting a child with special needs. From specialized instruction and therapies to life skills development and faith formation, every part of a Morning Star education is designed to help students grow in confidence, independence, and purpose.

  As a Catholic school for children with intellectual disabilities, Morning Star relies on the strength and generosity of our community to continue providing these opportunities. Events like Runway for Giving allow friends, families, and supporters to see firsthand the joy, determination, and spirit of our students while helping ensure that our programs remain strong for years to come.

  For 63 years, this event has brought people together in support of a shared mission. Each ticket purchased, each sponsorship, and every round of applause from the audience helps open doors for the students we serve. If this year’s celebration is any indication, the tradition of Runway for Giving will continue to shine brightly, bringing our community together to support Morning Star and the incredible students who inspire us every day.