On November 5th, Tootsies transformed its elegant retail space into a community runway for Celebrate in Style, an annual fundraising fashion show supporting Daughters Against Alzheimer’s. With nearly 150 guests in attendance, the boutique was alive with conversation, seasonal style, and shared excitement. What unfolded was more than a fashion showcase—it was a testament to the quiet power of gathering with intention, and the electric energy created when real customers step into the spotlight for a cause they care about.

The evening was guided by the organizing leadership of Sara Mixon and Cindy Sprague, who brought precision planning and a deeply personal hospitality touch to every step of the night. Their efforts ensured the boutique felt buzzing but never chaotic, guided but never scripted, elevated but always welcoming.

As a key sponsor, Stroll Ansley Park supported the event’s reach and awareness across its neighborhood network, anchoring the night in the same community values the publication highlights every month.

The heart of the fundraiser was rooted in the work of DAA’s founders, Susan Watson and Michelle Rooks, who built the organization after experiencing Alzheimer’s impact within their own families. Their belief in community-powered fundraising helped propel DAA forward, funding critical research and caregiver support. Their flagship event, Battle for the Brain, carries a bold, performance-driven fundraising spirit across the city, and Celebrate in Style echoed that same undercurrent of belief—only this time framed in refined fashion.

The night featured a combination of professional runway talent alongside community models who are longtime Tootsies customers—women who regularly shop the boutique’s styling floor, now invited to lend their presence to its runway. Their participation carried an authenticity that made every look feel attainable, admirable, conversation-worthy.

These Celebrate in Style local models included Anne Marie Tison, Erin Hayman, Dr. Anna Rybka, Jennifer Penn, Allison Jowers, Valerie Mondelli, Lovette Russell, Keisha Carter, Cindy Ferguson, Millie Smith, Beth Reese, Katie Tebow, Sandra Steinbook, Liz Hagan, Shannon Sessoms, Celena Matlock, and Kwynn Everest.

A magnanimous thank you to these Atlanta icons who walked the runway with confidence and heart—not for spectacle, but for community, cause, and the quiet power of showing up when it matters most.

The evening’s hospitality was crafted by event partner Leviosa Events, led by Mariah Adams, whose team brought stylish runway energy and a refined event menu to match the occasion. Alongside curated cocktails, wine, and champagne, guests enjoyed delicious bites —served simply, beautifully, and with effortless pacing that kept the room social and in motion.

The auction punctuated the night with momentum, laughter, and bursts of celebration, guided by the unmistakable voice and energy of host Steak Shapiro. With coveted travel packages and other fabulous items up for grabs, spirited bidding delivered show-stopping moments that matched the spark of the runway—stylish, spontaneous, and unforgettable.

Judy Zaban, a cherished Tootsies client, was a standout auction participant and trip recipient of the New York City experience. Celebrated alongside her was John Hayman, husband of Erin, and recipient of a second New York City trip awarded through the auction. Ron Tison, husband of Anne Marie, received the Houston trip win.

Store owner Norman Lewis was acknowledged for fostering the boutique’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy, and the Tootsies stylists and support team were recognized as core threads kept in rhythm backstage and on the floor all night long.

The real headline of the night wasn’t signage or sponsorships, jewelry or shimmering dresses—it was the women who stepped forward to walk, the community who showed up to support them, the partnerships that kept the night flowing, and the show that ultimately belonged to everyone who participated in making it unforgettable. In a city full of style, these moments are the ones we remember—the ones where purpose walked the runway, and community took a bow together for a wonderful cause.