2026 fundraising focus
For our 26th year, we will focus our fundraising efforts on supporting pediatric scientific breakthroughs in the areas of Advancing Pediatric Cancer Research and Unraveling Autoimmune and Neuroinflammatory Diseases in Children.
Project 1: Advancing Pediatric Cancer Research
We are proud to fund innovative research that advances safer, more effective bone marrow transplants for children with leukemia—through new drug combinations, enhanced immune therapies, and groundbreaking clinical trials. These efforts, along with the renovation of a state-of-the-art research lab, will fuel scientific discovery and support the next generation of pediatric cancer pioneers at Steele Children’s.
Project 2: From Gut Health to Genetic Insight
Along with Steele Children’s, PANDA is trailblazing a new era in pediatric autoimmune and neuroinflammatory research, helping children grow through every step of their health journey. By exploring connections between gut health, genetics, and the immune system, scientists are tackling conditions like Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and early-onset Alzheimer’s in children with Down syndrome. These innovative projects will lead to earlier diagnoses, more personalized care, and groundbreaking treatments—empowering families with answers and lighting the path toward brighter, healthier futures.
Executive Committee
Mandi Schnepf
PRESIDENT
Lyndsay Hayes
VICE PRESIDENT
Julie Linaman
SECRETARY
Ursula Smalley
TREASURER
Kristen Grace
TREASURER ELECT
Dara Cohen
PRESIDENT ELECT
PANDA Chairs
Katie Cosmas
PRODUCTION CHAIR
Jen Dupuy
AUCTIONS CHAIR
Sarah Dworkin
MODELS AND FAMILIES CHAIR
Ellen Silhasek
FUNDRAISING AND MARKETING CHAIR
Meet our 2026 PANDA Models Soon
Event Sponsors
A huge thank you to the partners that make this incredible event and organization possible.
Title Sponsor
Fashion Partner
In-Kind Donors
A very sincere thank you to all our in-kind donors.
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Check out our past Fashion Shows
$250
All donations have a huge impact. Your donation can be the seed money for millions of dollars in federal grants.
$1,000
Equipment is fundamental to research. Your donation provides essential state-of-the-art equipment.
$5,000
Ground-breaking research is being conducted in 27 labs. Your donation funds lab operation and staffing.
$10,000
Future researchers are being trained and your donation jump-starts careers of physician-scientists.
$25,000
Medical advances mean more diseases and disorders are being discovered. Your donation funds new projects discovering vital treatments.