Children’s Dream Fund’s annual Rays on the Runway raised more than $400,000 to help make dreams come true for local children battling life-threatening Illnesses.
Held August 27th at The Floridian Social in downtown St. Petersburg, the signature event brought together dream children and their families, Tampa Bay Rays players, their significant others, and hundreds of community supporters for an unforgettable evening celebrating the courage and joy of the children at the heart of the Children’s Dream Fund mission. The highlight of the evening was the fashion show where dream children took center stage alongside Tampa Bay Rays players while raising critical funds to fulfill dreams for children throughout West Central Florida.
The 2026 event was presented by Power Design, with key support from WestCMR, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, the Stross Family Foundation, Stevens & Stevens, and many other generous sponsors and community partners. The evening was also made possible through the generosity of numerous in-kind partners. Locally owned St. Petersburg boutiques Zaa and Matter of Fact served as fashion partners, helping style the runway participants for their moment in the spotlight. Olivia Poppy Salon returned as the event’s hair and makeup sponsor, helping every dream child walking the runway— along with their moms and participating Rays wives — look and feel their absolute best before taking the stage. The Children’s Dream Fund is especially grateful for the continued partnership of the Tampa Bay Rays, whose players, families and organization continue to believe in the mission and help create meaningful experiences for Dream Children and their families.
“Rays on the Runway is so much more than a fundraiser,” said Amanda Walker, Executive Director. “It is a celebration of our Dream Children and a reminder of what is possible when an entire community comes together around them. Raising more than $400,000 means more local children facing life-threatening illnesses will have the opportunity to experience the anticipation, joy and lasting memories of a dream come true. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this night possible.”
The success of Rays on the Runway reflects a true community effort, with volunteers, sponsors, donors, vendors, community partners and supporters all playing a role in bringing the event to life. Funds raised will directly support the Children’s Dream Fund’s mission of fulfilling dreams for children with life-threatening illnesses throughout West Central Florida.
About Children’s Dream Fund
Founded in 1981, the Children’s Dream Fund is a St. Petersburg-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses throughout West Central Florida. From the moment a child begins dreaming to long after their dream is fulfilled, the organization works to create experiences that bring hope, joy and lasting memories to dream children and their families.
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