SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS TO HELP PREVENT CHILDHOOD CANCER
Annual Ready or Not Foundation fashion fundraiser returns to La Palmera
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Sept. 5, 2025) — The possibilities are “Unlimited” as forces unite for the annual Ready or Not Foundation’s Best Dressed Awards and Fashion Show on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6–9 p.m. in La Palmera’s Center Court.
Now in its 18th year, the annual event will benefit the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center in Houston, world-renowned for its clinical care, research and education, offering innovative therapies for all forms of childhood cancer and blood disorders.
“So many of our regional pediatric cancer patients require sub-specialists and unique treatments found at Texas Children’s Cancer Center,” said Barbara Canales, Ready or Not Foundation co-founder. “They are a world-class organization, especially in the area of brain tumors, and are making a difference in the lives of so many families facing this horrible disease. We are deeply grateful to La Palmera for providing the venue once again for our annual fashion show fundraiser and look forward to gathering for an evening dedicated to helping the most vulnerable among us.”
La Palmera’s Center Court will once again be transformed for the private event, featuring a fashion runway filled with designer looks found at the mall, with themed pre-event hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from 6–8 p.m. Runway-style seating is available for up to 250 guests with VIP table seating for an additional 100. Limited tickets remain and can be purchased online at readyornotfoundation.org.
Dr. Will Parsons, the Director of Texas Children’s Cancer Center, will share with guests the details of the new merger between MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital and Texas Children’s Cancer Center. The evening also includes the Best Dressed awards, honoring four outstanding community members for their philanthropic service: Port of Corpus Christi Community Relations Director Rosaura De Los Santos Bailey, an advocate for better health outcomes with a long history of assisting the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes and other organizations; accomplished South Texas artist Mayra Zamora, a teacher, leader and creator sharing her time and passion with local children; Kayla and Steve McMains, a local dynamic duo known for their philanthropic efforts and support including the Ronald McDonald House Capital Campaign to build a new facility for South Texas families; and local businesswoman Terrie Moore, a creative talent in the world of vintage who regularly lends her design talents to local nonprofits for fundraising events.
Founded in 2008 by Canales and her family, including daughter Jackie Black, who survived anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare brain cancer, the Ready or Not Foundation has raised more than $2 million for pediatric cancer research, helping those facing a cancer diagnosis while honoring survivors and those who lost their battle. Black will again serve as the dinner’s keynote speaker, providing updates on national advocacy efforts and sharing her personal journey with survivorship.
"As we enter Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month this September, it's essential to shine a light on the urgent need for funding and research in this critical area,” said Black. “At the Ready or Not Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and free from the burdens of cancer. With federal funding becoming increasingly limited, it's up to each of us to take action.”
La Palmera is also teaming up with Ready or Not Foundation once again for the month-long Ready. Set. Gold. event, now in its 11th year. Designed to raise awareness and funds, guests will find a special 10-foot pink an gold tree in Center Court with golden leaves — the color associated with childhood cancer — and can enjoy free family-friendly events, including arts and crafts, dinosaur fun, face painting, a petting zoo and more, each Saturday from noon–4 p.m., sponsored by the Port of Corpus Christi and La Palmera. The schedule of events is available online at lapalmera.com and all donations collected throughout September will be used for pediatric cancer research.
“This event is a heartfelt tribute to the brave children currently battling childhood cancer, the survivors who inspire us, and the precious souls we've lost,” said Canales. “The family activities not only honor these young warriors but also create a vibrant community space where we can all come together in support. Together, we can raise awareness and remind everyone that in September, we GO GOLD for the kids."
For more information on the Ready or Not Foundation, go online to https://readyornotfoundation.org/ or call (361) 779-0338. For more information on La Palmera go to lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or call (361) 991-3755.