Project Funway puts the fun in fundraising as it brings in more than $500,000 to support Eagle County educators
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily
Dried chilies, steel wool, surgical supplies, bubble wrap, and other odd materials were used to create the winning designs at the 14th annual Project Funway at Dobson Arena on March 22. The fashion show, which stands out because contestants are required to design looks out of anything but fabric, is always a highlight of the season.
Six judges watched as 64 models walked the runway. Many designers worked for months to create a wearable piece of art, all for charity. Project Funway is the largest fundraiser for the Education Foundation of Eagle County and aims to raise money to provide essential support for teacher and school staff retention.
The fashions are judged on four criteria: creativity, craftsmanship, presentation and how unconventional the materials are. Denver-born and New York-based lead judge Mondo Guerra, was the winner of “Project Runway All Stars” and was a finalist in “Project Runway” during Season 8. Awards are given out to the top three designs in each category and then there is a Best in Show winner.
“I love to see how unexpected materials are transformed to look like fabric, and this is a very couture piece,” Mondo said about the Best in Show design by Carly Wick and Katie Shepard called “2025: The Year of the Snake” which was made out of surgical supplies like plastic bins and tourniquet tape from the Vail Valley Surgical Center where both women work.
The event, which hosted over 1,300 attendees, is a family affair with many parents or even grandparents teaming up with a student to create something unreal. There are three categories for Project Funway, including youth (12 and under), teen (13–18) and adults. It’s also a community event, with over 200 volunteers helping to put this fashion show on. An army of nearly 30 hair stylists and make-up artists were on hand for hours before the event, perfecting the models’ looks and dozens of others have been involved with gathering over 136 silent auction items. The event brought in over $500,000.
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“The vibrant expression, passion and generosity we witnessed at Project Funway reflect the heart of our community — a community that comes together to nurture the creative spirit of our students and support the future of education,” said Wendy Rimel, president and executive director of the Education Foundation of Eagle County. “We are certain no one left without a creative spark and an awareness about what we are missing. Funding to put the best educators in front of our kids is EFEC’s passion. Our schools are a reflection of our community, and you showed us on Saturday night that you are with us.”
To see photos and a list of winners, judges, sponsors and more go to ProjectFunway.org. To learn more about the Education Foundation of Eagle County, visit EFEC.org. Mark your calendars for Project Funway on March 21, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Vail.
