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Fashion meets philanthropy at Roundup Runway

Inaugural Roundup River Ranch fashion show raises $147,000 for camp experiences for children with life-altering diagnoses

Local model Raechal Ferguson shows off some of the design features of the Jonathan Simkhai dress she wore at the Roundup Runway event at Chasing Rabbits in Vail.
Roundup River Ranch/Courtesy Photo

Local models took to the catwalk to raise money for Roundup River Ranch on March 13 for an event called Roundup Runway. Wearing fashions from local retailers Grey Salt and Perch Vail/Elleston, the event, which was held at Chasing Rabbits, raised over $147,000 to provide camp experiences for children with life-altering diagnoses.

“We are incredibly grateful to Perch Vail/Elleston and Grey Salt for selecting Roundup River Ranch as the beneficiary of this exciting new Roundup Runway event,” said Sarah Johnson, president and CEO of Roundup River Ranch. “The energy and generosity of the community were truly inspiring — selling out in just 24 hours and raising over $147,000.”

Fashion designer Jonathan Simkhai, left, addresses the crowd at the Roundup Runway Fashion Show while Laurie O’Connell, owner of Perch Vail/Elleston looks on.
Roundup River Ranch/Courtesy Photo

About 20 local models donated their time to strut their stuff with the men wearing various brands from Grey Salt and the women being styled in fashions by designer Jonathan Simkhai, who was in attendance.



“A huge thank you to our amazing local models and designer Jonathan Simkhai, whose talent and style made this event shine,” Johnson said. “We were thrilled with the turnout and funds raised, especially for a more intimate event. This generous support will directly enhance our behavioral health and wellness programs, offering children with life-altering diagnoses to embrace joy, build connections and gain independence — completely free of charge.” 

A small crowd of 100 people gathered at Chasing Rabbits Vail for Roundup Runway, a fashion show fundraiser for Roundup River Ranch.
Roundup River Ranch/Courtesy Photo

Being a fashion event, auction items like attending Simkhai’s New York Fashion Week show in September or a VIP shopping experience with Simkhai himself at his flagship Los Angeles store were sold three times for $10,000 each.

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Roundup River Ranch is part of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, which was founded by actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman. The SeriousFun Children’s Network has innovative camps worldwide and programs that provide life-changing support to children with serious illnesses and their families.

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