Gabriel Pina, 10, of Garland is a featured model at the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala “Sweet 30th Anniversary,” celebrating 30 years of sweet smiles, sweet styles, and sweet stories of survival in a candy-themed wonderland. The Gala is Friday, April 27, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas beginning at 6 p.m. with a silent auction and VIP reception and 7 p.m. for the dinner and program.
Co-chairs Candice Romo and Hollie Siglin join longtime honorary co-chairs Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman to kick off the evening. The event is expected to raise more than $1 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Staubach, who has been involved all 30 years, and Aikman, now in his 21st year, join other celebrities and sponsors as runway escorts for 22 featured pediatric cancer patients, ages 5 – 15, who model fashions by Dillard’s for the fashion show. The evening features music, dancing and special Guest DJ Tony Romo, CBS NFL Commentator and former Dallas Cowboy.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2017, Gabriel Pina is an only child who loves math and hopes to one day become a software engineer. He loves hanging out with his huskies, Hercules and Sky. On weekends, he likes to play video games, watch movies and go to Dave and Busters. Pina is the happiest when he is spending time with his family. If he could take a trip anywhere, he would go to California and hang out at the beach.
“I am so excited to be a part of the fashion show because I get to meet lots of new friends that I have one thing in common with,” said Gabriel.
Children’s Cancer Fund brings together local celebrities, dignitaries, philanthropists, sponsors and media personalities to serve as runway escorts for these young patients modeling in the fashion show. In addition to Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, escorts include Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys players and cheerleaders and Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot, as well as Juanika & Monta Ellis (of the Indiana Pacers, NBA); Kiss FM Crew (Kellie Rasberry, Big Al, JC and Jenna); Miss Texas Margana Wood; Medieval Red Knight; Pink Heals Firefighters; Batman; Dallas SWAT; Dallas Fire Station #19; Belle of Beauty and the Beast; and Children’s Cancer fund alum Russell McKeown.
The gala is sponsored by CBS 11 and features Karen Borta as mistress of ceremonies. Since 1982, Children’s Cancer Fund has donated over $8 million to the childhood cancer cause.
Co-chairs Romo and Siglin are also moms and best friends who are passionate about championing children. The mission of Children’s Cancer Fund and the importance of this fundraiser led them both to say yes when asked to be this year’s co-chairs of the gala.
“With a passion for children and a love of fashion, my heart is happy to be part of the Children’s Cancer Fund 30th Anniversary Fashion Show,” said Candice Romo.
“This night is all about the kids,” said Jennifer Arthur, CCF Executive Director of Development. “They spend the day getting runway ready and reuniting with their friends backstage, and when the spotlight comes on, you will see some of the sweetest smiles. This is a night they have looked forward to all year. The grand finale, which features CCF models from the past 30 years, is one of the most incredible moments of the evening. These sweet stories of survival are a testimony to the impact CCF is making in our community.”
Visit Pina’s personal fundraising page: www.childrenscancerfund.com/gabrielpina
Children’s Cancer Fund, founded in 1982, champions kids in their fight against cancer through strategic investments in research and care in North Texas. Since its inception, CCF has awarded almost $8 million in grants, and the organization received the 2014 Outstanding Foundation Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The group seeks to partially relieve the burden of obtaining and administering funds for pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and for selected research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, both nationally recognized programs for the investigation and treatment of childhood cancer. The Children’s Cancer Fund office is at 10300 N. Central Expressway, Suite 463 in Dallas. More information or reservations: 972-664-1450 or www.ChildrensCancerFund.com.