While the spotlight of name brand designers showcasing their newest collections is often in the big cities, this month, it’s time for Floral Park to be a fashion capital.

On March 12, at 7:30 p.m., Floral Park Memorial High School will host the second Heart For Fashion show.  Hold on.  Stop walking down the runway and pause the music.  What is Heart For Fashion?

The inspiration behind this remarkable event was Floral Park Memorial graduate Marilyn Bird and her brother, current senior William Bird.  At the age of 12, William was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which causes enlargement of the aorta.  As a result of this disorder, William was no longer able to participate in most athletic activities.  Understandably, for someone who had played sports regularly, this was an extremely difficult situation for William to deal with.

Marilyn Bird wanted to create an organization that would raise awareness for Marfan Syndrome, as well as other heart diseases, and show her appreciation towards the Cohen Children’s Medical Hospital. This is how Heart For Fashion was created.  Organizing the show is quite an undertaking.  The event required renting prom dresses and tuxedos for various shops, receiving donations to raffle off as prizes, and most importantly, selling tickets to the Floral Park community.  Bird teamed up with fellow classmate Rachel Trifon.  Together they were able to organize this fundraiser, along with the help of Dr. Sottile, principal of Floral Park Memorial, and FPM’s National Honor Society and Key Club.  Last year, this amazing event saw over 500 people in attendance and raised $8,000 for the Pediatric Heart Center.  In addition, it helped William cope with his situation with positivity, confidence and encouragement.

With the extraordinary success of the first event, Marilyn Bird decided to hold a second this month. The renting of prom dresses and tuxedos for a glamorous and fun atmosphere will still be the basis of the evening.  However, this year’s show will expand its charitable reach. The event will not only be raising money for the Pediatric Heart Center at Cohen Children’s Hospital, it will also do so for Ethan Demmers, son of English teacher Mr. Demmers, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder.

Heart for Fashion 2 is certain to be as successful as the first. The class of 2015 and its advisers, Ms. Lauria and Ms. Abbott, are providing much appreciated support this year. The preparations have been taking place for several months.

“A lot of preparations go into the show such as making sure all the models have been fitted, wrapping up raffle baskets, selling tickets, and meeting with event planners about the stage and other scenery,” said Marilyn Bird.

There will also be important people attending the event such as Miss Teen New York, who may even walk with Ethan down the runway. Bird hopes to have over 600 people in the audience and raise over $8,000.

There seems to be great excitement and anticipation for this year’s event.  Mr. Demmers, Ethan’s father, thinks the event is going to be “amazing and a very fun night.” Because his son is part of the event, he feels extremely grateful for the number of people who want to help Ethan and his family overcome the challenges that come with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

“I am continuously amazed at how wonderful this Floral Park community is,”  said Mr. Demmers.  “I feel so embraced by everyone here.”

Jainam Doshi, a senior at Floral Park Memorial who volunteered to model this year, said Heart For Fashion 2 will be “really great for the children and a lot of fun.”

Front row tickets are only $6 for students and $10 for adults.  Donations are still being accepted for raffle prizes, and can be brought to Ms. Abbott or Ms. Lauria.  To learn more about Heart For Fashion and Ethan Demmers, visit the Heart For Fashion Facebook page and MeetEthan.com.

Don’t miss out on all of the excitement and be there in person. Dress to the nines and get your camera ready because it is going to be quite a show.