Catwalk for BMC Cancer Care: interview with Open HeARTS founder

My frock is ready. My 9yr old fashionista insisted on providing wardrobe assistance. She picked the dress and we worked on the shoes. She said, and I quote, “Hm, it’s a bit of a color jumble but I think you can pull it off.” Phew…

Now on to the important stuff. My last but not least interview. Bryan Finocchio is the mastermind behind the Catwalk events And is founder and passionate leader at Open HeARTS, Inc. I’m honored to know Bryan and his team and continue to love their combo plate of do good stuff with being stylish and having fun. Bryan told me a bit about tonight’s SOLD OUT Catwalk for BMC Cancer Care and why he’s all pumped up.

Me: What makes the Catwalk for BMC Cancer Care so special to you?
Bryan: This Catwalk is our first partnered event as well as Catwalk’s first event as Open HeARTS, Inc., which makes this show special to us. Not to mention that this is Boston Medical Center’s Cancer Care Center’s inaugural event. Lots of pressure!!

Me: Why did the folks at BMC decide a catwalk event with Open HeARTS was the way to generate buzz and money for their cause?
Bryan:Good question! When they heard about past Catwalk Events and how they a run, I think they wanted to pursue the idea. I guess I give a good pitch. When I sat down with BMC to talk about what a Catwalk Event is and how we incorporate survivors into our show as well as developing talent in the area, they seemed sold. Catwalk Events are unique in the fact that we take pride in our survivors and incorporating “real” people as well as models in our events. It’s something different that an organization can call its own.

Me: What can people attending expect to see?
Bryan: Like any Catwalk Event, attendees will experience a silent auction, fashion show and post reception. Our fashion show this years will include designers as well as a stylist, something new for a Catwalk Event. We also decided to represent the comprehensive types of cancer BMC treats by assigning each designer a color to represent a ribbon. Although not every cancer is represented, we want to give viewers a fun, summertime show complete with an array of colors symbolizing the “melting pot” of cultures and treatments BMC is known for.

Me: How does partnering with BMC expand the mission of Open HeARTS?
Bryan: One part of Open HeARTS’ mission is to work with area organizations, corporate businesses and nonprofits creating events. The chance to work with BMC helps expand our efforts in planning elaborate events for a cause. By working with BMC, we are also able to take developing artists, in this case Fashion Designers, and give them a platform to show their work to a large audience, essentially fulfilling the second part of Open HeARTS’ mission.

Me:What will you be wearing? (of course:)
Bryan: I am too busy planning to think about what I am wearing! I would assume either J?Crew, H&M or a mixture of both!

I’m sure you will look fabulous and will be glowing tomorrow night, Bryan. Great work and can’t wait for the show!