The evening brings together Tampa Bay Rays fans, executives, and players with the local community for a high-profile charity night supporting St. Petersburg-area families. Proceeds help the nonprofit extend its reach well beyond the gala itself.
Guests can expect a social hour with an open bar and light bites, live music, photo opportunities, and a live auction. The program also includes a “Mission Moment,” a spotlight on one of the fund’s beneficiaries and the impact of its work.
A highlight of the night is a fashion show featuring 15 dream children walking the runway alongside Tampa Bay Rays players, dressed in outfits from local shops Zaa and Matter of Fact, all set against a vintage Hollywood-inspired theme.
Following the Mission Moment, guests will take part in a Bid From the Heart auction, raising funds to help fulfill dreams for the more than 150 children currently on the Dream Fund’s waiting list.
Dress for the evening is Red Carpet Cocktail Attire. General admission tickets start at $200, with sponsorship and preferred seating options also available. The event runs from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., and sponsors receive early entry at 6 p.m. Additional details and registration information are available through the Children’s Dream Fund.
Founded in 1981 and based in St. Petersburg, the Children’s Dream Fund has fulfilled more than 4,000 dreams for local children facing life-threatening illnesses. Rays on the Runway serves as one of the organization’s major annual fundraisers, helping sustain its work year-round.