Glamour Meets Giving: Catwalk for a Cause Benefitting Choose Joy Foundation

Kendall’s Catwalk for a Cause reminds us how strong our community is when we all come together to support the same mission. On May 11th, 17 models, over 20 sponsors, and almost 300 community members came together to raise over $169,000 for the resources and initiatives led by Choose Joy Foundation. Choose Joy Foundation was founded on the premise that that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood. Their mission is to restore, in whatever way they can, normalcy to the lives of children affected by substance abuse. As substance abuse grows in our community, the number of children impacted, from birth to 18 years old, is growing rapidly.

Choose Joy Foundation was founded in 2018 to provide Christmas to families going through these struggles. With parents in active recovery, Choose Joy Foundation allowed families to focus on getting back on their feet, while still allowing the parents to be the hero for their children. As the foundation grows, Choose Joy has partnered with many local organizations such as CASA, Furnish Hope, and Best Care Treatment Services to not only fulfill these wish lists, but to keep the children out of Foster Care by providing basic needs year-round. So many people get angry at the addict that the children get left behind; Choose Joy Foundation not only works to help the parents find sustainable success, but ensure that they keep families together in the process.

Kendall’s Catwalk for a Cause would not be possible without the incredible role models and sponsors who truly made this fundraiser a success. If you see any of these role models out in the community, be sure to get to know them! Not only are they models, they are business owners, community leaders, and have some of the biggest hearts. Thank you to Shannon McNeil (Cascade Sotheby’s Realty & 2024 TOP FEMALE MODEL), Marcus Valdez (W Aesthetics & Wellness & TOP MALE MODEL), Rachelle Thomas & JT Ramsey (The Thomas Team / CMG Home Loans & TOP COUPLE MODELS), Alex Bass (St. Charles), Amy Campbell (Sunriver Realty), Ashley & Cecil Vorce (Vorce Pros Construction), Brittany Barton (Garrison Group / Re/MAX Key Properties), Cash McConnell (Kendall Mercedes-Benz of Bend), Chuck Norton (CKN Services & Tebbs Training), Ethan Young-Smith (Mazama Designs), Kelsi Buchheit (Paychex Inc.), Lilly Byrd (The Phoenix), Sarah Lauderdale (Backyard Media), & Willow Neer (Duda’s Billiards Bar).

With the funds raised at this year’s Catwalk, Choose Joy Foundation plans to take on more projects with organizations such as Best Care Treatment Services to provide hope & new opportunities for families in need. On behalf of Kendall Auto Central Oregon and Choose Joy Foundation, thank you to every business, sponsor, model, and community member that joined us for a night of Glitz, Glamour, and Giving!