By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
It started as a one-time fashion show. It’s now a premier event that attracts more than 3,000 guests and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for families battling childhood cancer.
The 9th annual Nellie’s Catwalk for Kids Heart of Gold Fashion Show will take place July 18 at The Columbus Convention Center. A pre-party starts at 6 p.m. followed by the fashion show at 7 p.m.
NC4K, a local nonprofit organization founded by Reynoldsburg High School graduate Nellie Krumlauf, raises funds to help meet the needs of families as they battle a disease they never imagined they would face. This includes helping families in their darkest moments by assisting them in making a house payment, putting food on the table or simply giving them hope.
The organization has raised more than $1 million since 2006, and Krumlauf says never in a million years did she expect the organization’s quick growth.
“NC4K has grown leaps and bounds in nine short years and it is all because of the passion and generosity from Columbus,” she said.
The organization’s goal is to raise $1 million this year, she said.
“If we can make our goal, we want to take families to Disney World to celebrate in the most magical place on earth,” Krumlauf said.
The Heart of Gold Fashion Show will help meet that goal, as up to 5,000 are expected at this year’s event, she said. Tickets are still on sale for the fashion show, which will include a hero walk starring many local cancer heroes and those directly affected by the organization’s fundraising efforts. Cost is $10 per ticket.
The fashion show also will include special guests The LoveBenders, Blaze Johnson from “The Voice” and Premiere Dance Studio, Krumlauf said.
Nellie’s Catwalk for Kids began when, at 16, Krumlauf knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of those fighting cancer. She had experienced losing her grandmother to the disease, and while doing research, discovered childhood cancer is the least funded type of cancer, yet the No. 1 leading cause of death by disease of children.
Initially she had planned for NC4K’s fashion show to be a one-time event, with money raised going to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. However, a young girl battling cancer inspired Krumlauf to bring the fashion show back for another year and grow her organization into more than one event.
For information on the Heart of Gold Fashion Show or to purchase tickets, call (614) 300-3995 or go to www.nc4k.org. Volunteer and donor opportunities are also available by going to the organization’s website.
