Pediatric Patients and Physicians Take the Runway at
St. Joseph’s Charity Gala, Raising $300,000 for Children’s Care

Ridgewood, NJ – Pediatric patients and their physicians took center stage at this year’s Fashion with Compassion gala, an annual fundraising event supporting St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, raising $300,000 to support pediatric care and services.

Held at The Rockleigh, the event brought together almost 400 guests for an evening that blended storytelling with fundraising, highlighting the journeys of children who have undergone complex medical care.

Throughout the night, pediatric patients walked the runway alongside their physicians, offering a powerful and highly visual representation of recovery, resilience, and long-term care.

Dr. Richard Anderson of Neurosurgeons of New Jersey participated in the event, walking with pediatric patient he has treated.

“This is the part of medicine people don’t usually see. We meet these children at very difficult moments, but that’s not where their story ends. Being here with them now, in a completely different setting, puts that into perspective,” said Dr. Anderson.

The runway format transforms what is typically a clinical narrative into something visible and accessible, allowing families to share their journeys in a way that resonates far beyond the hospital setting.

For many of the children participating, the event marked a significant milestone, moving from patient to participant, from treatment to celebration.

The gala serves as one of the St. Joseph’s Health Foundation’s flagship fundraising initiatives, supporting continued investment in pediatric services, facilities, and patient support programs.

By bringing these stories into a public, visual space, Fashion with Compassion continues to highlight the lasting impact of pediatric healthcare on patients and their families.

Please Contact Ali Smith for further info, or coverage.