St. Petersburg, Fla. (March 13, 2025) – On March 14, Robert Hessel, Chair and Co-founder of The Hessel Family Foundation (HFF) and CEO of Source 1 Solutions, will take center stage at the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s (NPCF) Fashion Funds A Cure event. Robert, alongside his wife Tajila and Joycelyn—a teen cancer fighter with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur—will strut the runway in support of the initiative, which raises funds to find a cure for pediatric cancer.
The Hessel Family Foundation, led by Robert and Tajila Hessel, has long been dedicated to supporting families with children facing autism and other developmental disabilities. As passionate advocates for children, the couple and their foundation are eager to lend their support to the NPCF’s mission.
For almost two decades, Fashion Funds the Cure has been delighting audiences and giving children battling cancer the experience of a lifetime on the runway while raising critical funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research. This nationwide runway tour shares the story of local children battling cancer and weaves their dreams for the future into a high-fashion, upscale event.
The first event will take place on March 14 at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Petersburg and again on April 12 in Tampa at The Motor Enclave. Rob, Tajila, and Joycelyn will perform a skit on the runway, with Joycelyn dressed as a businesswoman complete with a phone, laptop, and briefcase to highlight her entrepreneurial spirit.
According to a foundation spokesperson, this cause is particularly personal to Robert, whose father passed away prematurely from cancer, igniting his commitment to supporting cancer research and initiatives like NPCF. The Hessel’s participation has been made possible through the efforts of strategic partner Sharri Cagle from Keys to Kindness, who has been a driving force in connecting the Hessel Family Foundation to this important cause.
Please join the Hessel Family Foundation in raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research and help make a lasting impact on the lives of children battling this disease.
St. Petersburg, FL Event Details
TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort | Friday, March 14, 2025
6:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour | 7:30 p.m. Fashion Show
5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Tampa, FL Event Details
The Motor Enclave | Saturday, April 12, 2025
6:00 p.m. Reception | 7:30 p.m. Fashion Show
6500 Motor Enclave Way, Tampa, FL 33610
To attend, sponsor, or volunteer either of these events, please visit https://nationalpcf.org/events.
About the NPCF
The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to eliminate childhood cancer, focusing on finding less toxic, more targeted therapies through collaborations with leading hospitals and researchers. To learn more, please visit https://nationalpcf.org.
About The Hessel Family Foundation
The Hessel Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by autism. Through education, outreach, and financial support, the foundation works tirelessly to improve access to resources and create a more inclusive environment for people on the autism spectrum. To learn more, please visit www.hesselfoundation.org.
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