Childhelp, a nonprofit advocating for abused and neglected children, hosted its 17th annual Childhelp Wings Fashion Show & Luncheon Sunday, April 21, at Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix.

Guided by event chairs, Ivy Ciolli, Brooklyn Ciolli, Monique Hampton, and Harper Hampton, this year’s event had 400 supporters in attendance and participation from more than 60 child models and local celebrities donning the latest fashion trends from Basically Bows & Bowties, Garage Boutique, Apricot Lane Boutique, and Carter’s Men’s Clothing, according to a press release.

From its origins as a mother-daughter initiative, under the leadership of Founding Mother Carol Hebets, Childhelp Wings has evolved into a unifying force bringing together volunteers and youth organizations throughout the community. Together, their mission is to drive impactful service projects and fundraisers in support of Childhelp Arizona’s programs and services.

Childhelp was founded by Paradise Valley residents Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson.

“Childhelp’s mission has always been near and dear to my heart,” Carol Hebets said in the release. “The Childhelp Wings Fashion Show is an opportunity to increase awareness of the child abuse epidemic, while raising resources critical to treatment and prevention.”

Under the theme of “Pinwheels For a Purpose,” this year’s event showcased colorful children’s fashion along with blue pinwheels, the national symbol for child abuse prevention since 2008. Guests enjoyed a dazzling array of attractions, including a celebrity-studded runway, live and silent auctions, enticing raffle prizes, entertainment, and the chance to bid on one of the 146 pinwheels in Chandler’s “Field of Hope,” honoring the 146 lives lost to child abuse in Arizona in 2022.

Generosity poured in with raffle items and donations that exceeded all expectations, including the raffling of every “Field of Hope” pinwheel at $100 each — a touching tribute and highlight of the family-friendly event.

Rounding out the festivities, Childhelp announced local celebrity Singer Rosevelt Rawls as the recipient of this year’s Heart of an Angel Award for her devotion to Childhelp.

It is estimated that five children die each day from abuse and neglect in the United States, and for 65 years, Childhelp has worked to combat this epidemic, with a focus on meeting the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of children, the release stated. Through its lifesaving programs and services, Childhelp has served 12 million children nationwide.