Fenway to Runway Fundraiser Hits a Home Run for Charity
Top (L-R): Kim Fink, Katherine Chapman, Linda Pizzuti Henry, Jami Amaro, Courtney Forrester, Julie Gordon, and Simone Winston. / Bottom: Elena Matlack, Ashley Bernon, Sara Underwood, Penny Fireman, and Kat Vandernoot. / Photo by Samantha Peters
Red Sox wives and girlfriends traded the baseball diamond for, well, actual diamonds on Monday at the Red Sox Foundation’s 15th annual Fenway to Runway fundraiser. Showcasing everything from fabulous furs to sky-high stilettos provided by Bloomingdale’s, the honorary models strutted their stuff at the Hotel Commonwealth to raise money for the team’s official charity.
The fashion show featured looks expertly curated for fall, including a fringe leather skirt worn by Carolyn Esserman and flawless over-the-knee boots worn by Candace Pearson. Not for the faint of heart, animal textiles made an appearance as this season’s spotlight look. Shannon Wright wowed audiences with a stunning Narciso Rodriguez python clutch, while Ashley Kimbrel toted a one-of-a-kind VBH bag made from stingray hide.
Lakyn Holt, wife of outfielder Brock Holt, modeling a Narciso Rodriguez dress and Armani vest. / Photo by Samantha Peters
Style inspiration was not only found on the stage, however. The well-dressed crowd included Date My Wardrobe founder Amrita Aviyente in a colorful LK Bennett dress and nude Louis Vuitton pumps, as well as Sweet cupcakes owner Courtney Forrester in a sleek white Proenza Schouler A-line dress. PR mogul Lynne Kortenhaus and the afternoon’s fashion show host Liz Brunner looked chic as always, dressed in Bottega Vendetta and Herve Leger respectively.
From left: Lynne Kortenhaus and Liz Brunner. / Photo by Samantha Peters
Other notable attendees were Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison, actress Eliza Dushku, and owner of the Red Sox and Boston Globe John Henry. Sure to show their support were Sox players David Ortiz, Chris Young, Steven Wright, Bryan Holaday, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Mike Brenly, as well as hitting coach Chili Davis and first-base coach Ruben Amaro Jr., all cheering their women on from the sidelines.
Lynne Smith, Tiffany Ortiz’s number one fan. / Photo by Samantha Peters
In addition to the fashion show, the event featured a luncheon and private auction. Big ticket items included a professional baseball bat and the opportunity to throw the first pitch at Fenway, an obvious crowd favorite. In total, the event raised $83,000 for the Red Sox Foundation, which—among others—supports the Jimmy Fund for cancer research, the Red Sox Scholars Program, the Home Base program for returning veterans, and the Dimock Center serving underprivileged families in the Boston area.
A flurry of fashion, philanthropy, and glamour, the event culminated in a moving tribute to David Ortiz’s wife Tiffany Ortiz. As a longtime supporter of the Red Sox Foundation, Ortiz was presented with 31 roses in honor of her husband’s retirement this season after more than three decades in baseball.
Tiffany Ortiz was recognized for her support of the Red Sox Foundation. / Photo by Samantha Peters
