Cause4Fashion Raises Money, Awareness

On March 5th, The Neuro Challenge Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against Parkinson Disease, hosted its first annual fashion show and fundraiser at The Met on St. Armand's Circle. The show was put on by Cause 4 Fashion, providing clothing by top designers including Lafayette 148, who designed a custom scarf for the event and donated all proceeds to Neuro Challenge.

Models for the fashion show were all survivors of Parkinson Disease or their family members. Among those walking the runway were ABC 7's Heidi Godman and her mother, Sarasota Magazine's Jeff Lawenda, in honor of his father, and Neuro Challenge Medical Advisor and local neurologist Dr. Dean Sutherland. Emceeing and organizing the event was Neuro Challenge President Doreen Sutherland. Fashions were raffled off to guests as well, with the help of Godman and Dr. and Mrs. Sutherland's youngest daughter, Annie.

Guests enjoyed top-notch hors d'oeuvres from San Francisco chef Geoffrey Blythe and his staff. Volunteer bartenders served drinks all evening, including the event's signature 'Cause-mo-tini,' which featured vodka and passionfruit.

The Neuro Challenge Foundation helps thousands of families affected by Parkinson Disease in Sarasota and Manatee Counties find the resources and care they need to have the best possible quality of life. From information and counseling to nutrition and massage, from referrals and treatments to advice and support, this volunteer-operated, charity-funded group is doing groundbreaking work.

Heidi and Edith Godman

In December 2008, the Neuro Challenge Foundation opened the Comprehensive Care Center for Parkinson Disease here in Sarasota. Parkinson patients receive state of the art medical care and outreach services in one convenient location. The campus includes medical labs, research facilities, MRI, rehabilitation specialists, an olympic-sized swimming pool, gymnasium and fitness center. Patients at the Center have access to an array of allied health professionals, alternative healing arts, psychological, social and other therapeutic applications. The Center provides our community with workshops, lectures, and guest speakers, focused on the ever-changing lifestyle of Parkinson's patients. The Center is the first in the nation to offer a free Patient and Family Advocate to each client.

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. Please visit the Neuro Challenge Foundation website and subscribe to their newsletter to receive updates about future events.

Kangaroo was honored to donate media relations, webmarketing, and a bit of bartending for the event. We look forward to the opportunity to showcase more of their work in the future.

Mic Gilkey, Dr. Dean Sutherland, Kathy GilkeyEvent photography was donated by Strawberry Moon Photography, where you can view more photos from the evening.