June 8, 2022

PANDA Raises $4.1M, Funds Genome Sequencing Project for UArizona Steele Children’s Research Center

Dr. Fayez K. Ghishan & PANDA Patient Model Juach

The Event: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Children Helping Children Fashion Show & Luncheon

The Cause: PANDA

Event Date: May 7, 2022

Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Event Co-Chairs: Jamee Emens, Jules Koechling, Colleen Luke & Mandi Schnepf

Presenting Sponsor: Fox Restaurant Concepts

Dollars Raised: $4.1 M

Fashion Show Partner: Garage Boutique & Concept Store

Emcees: April Warnecke & Mark McClune

Auctioneer: Letitia Frye

Special Entertainment: Andrew Sievers & Muse Phoenix

Notable Moments: PANDA (People Acting Now Discover Answers) hosted its 22nd annual fashion show and luncheon, raising record amounts, while featuring 63 darling models walking the runway, including five very special patient models. Funds raised went to the 2022 PANDA Children’s Genome Sequencing Project, which included the purchase of the NovaSeq 6000, a state-of-the art rapid whole genome sequencing machine. With access to whole genome sequencing, the UArizona Steele Children’s Research Center will be able to bring much needed answers and potentially cures to children and their families fighting rare diseases.

Photos courtesy of Carrie Evans Photography

***Colleen Luke, Mandi Schnepf, Jamee Emens & Jules Koechling***

Founder Robyn DeBell, Dr. Fayez K. Ghishan & ***Founder*** ***Penny Gunning***

***Jackie Levian, Julie Touchen, Christina Ackerman & Lindsey Corley***

***Katie Weston, Blair Moffett, Andrea Pritchett, Christine Alm & Ibie Falcusan***

***Chandra Petelin, Katie Kent & Melanie Layman***

***Models Amelia Petznick & Isabelle Bray***

***Model Evan Freeman Leads the Finale Walk Down the Runway***

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