Dallas businessman Dave Clark poses with Miles Dagelewicz, a model at Children’s Cancer Fund’s annual Fashion Show and Gala.
Courtesy of Children’s Cancer Fund
After returning to Dallas with their multimillion-dollar startup, Dave and Leigh Anne Clark will chair one of North Texas’ most high-profile charity events.
The couple, co-founders of AI supply chain management company Auger, have been named chairs of the 37th annual Fashion Show and Gala, put on by Dallas-based Children’s Cancer Fund to raise money for childhood cancer. The Clarks will serve in the roles alongside celebrity chairs Troy Aikman and Dak Prescott of Dallas Cowboys fame.
“Dave and Leigh Anne Clark know how to move big ideas forward. This year, they’re putting that energy behind Children’s Cancer Fund by serving as co-chairs of the 2027 gala,” said Children’s Cancer Fund CEO Jennifer Arthur. “They understand, because they’ve been to our event for several years, this night is about much more than a gala. It’s about giving families hope and giving doctors and researchers the resources to change what’s possible for children with cancer.”
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The gala will take place on April 7, 2027, at the Hilton Anatole, with funds raised going directly to cancer research at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Last year, the event raised $4 million, and Arthur said she has “no doubt” this year’s event will surpass that total.
At the center of the gala is a fashion show, where pediatric cancer patients walk the runway with someone they want to be when they grow up, including firefighters, police officers, athletes, and more. The gala has more than 100 sponsors including major philanthropists and corporate partners and starts at $10,000 a table for guests.
“Kids should be dreaming about what they want to be when they grow up,” Arthur said. “When they walk the runway with someone that they want to be when they grow up, that’s what they should be thinking about. They shouldn’t be wondering if they’re going to survive to see high school.”
Dave and Leigh Anne Clark are co-founders of the AI supply chain management startup Auger, based in Dallas.
Children’s Cancer Fund
Dave Clark, a former Amazon executive, and his wife Leigh Anne Clark moved to Seattle in 2024 to start Auger, before moving the company’s headquarters back to Dallas this year, according to D CEO. The AI supply chain management software has raised $150 million and counts Meta, Kimberly-Clark and Fanatics among its customers.
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“We are blown away every year by the strength and optimism of these children and their families. It is an honor to play a role in this year’s event,” they said in a statement. “Last year’s record-breaking support speaks volumes about the generosity of this community and the impact Children’s Cancer Fund continues to make. We’re honored to build on that momentum and help make this year’s Gala another meaningful night for the children and families at the heart of this mission.”
Leading up to the event, Children’s Cancer Fund will host a model reveal for the kids who will walk the runway at NorthPark Center, then a wardrobe fitting sponsored by Dillard’s for kids to choose outfits and do a photoshoot with their families. About 1,200 guests attend the gala alongside 200 kids, including both current cancer patients and survivors.
According to Children’s Cancer Fund, less than 4% of federal funding for cancer research goes to pediatric cancers. Children’s Health in Dallas treats 1 in 5 children with cancer in Texas, with 650 kids receiving cancer treatment at any one time and 300 kids receiving new cancer diagnoses each year at the medical center.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and former quarterback Troy Aikman pose with participants at Children’s Cancer Fund’s annual Fashion Show and Gala.
Courtesy of Children’s Cancer Fund
Aikman and Prescott have been longtime supporters of the event and Children’s Cancer Fund. The charity made a $2.5 million donation earlier this year to the construction of Moody’s Children’s Hospital, a joint venture between Children’s Health and UT Southwestern slated to open by 2031.
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“What they’re fighting through every day puts everything into perspective,” Prescott said in a release. “If we can use our platform to support them, bring more attention to the fight against childhood cancer and help make a difference, that’s what this is all about.”
“These kids are what keep me coming back year after year,” Aikman said. “Their strength is incredible, and I’m proud to continue supporting Children’s Cancer Fund and the work they’re doing for children and families across North Texas.”