By U.S. Rep MARSHA BLACKBURN
Special to Brentwood Home Page
If you were trying to find me on Monday morning, you wouldn’t have to search very far if you were attending the annual Friends & Fashion Show to benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University.  The event has been one of my favorites for years-- well, actually, for decades. 

A group of friends who were members of Friends of Children's Hospital, joined together in the ’80s to get the event rolling.  We thought it was a great idea and the longevity of the event has proven that to be true.  I have to admit that the event has matured beautifully and the fundraising capability has come a long way from our first year.

Last year, my sweet friend Judy Simmons found the Friends of Children's Hospital newsletter that pictured Angela Chapman and me-- both of us all smiles-- as we had raised $1700 for our inaugural event.

Yes, times have changed and the committee for Monday's auction and show no doubt cleared  many times that amount for an excellent cause. 

But, some things have stayed the same, a point reinforced as I joined the Fashion Show committee and the hospital board for an auction and pre-party last Friday.

What a delightful evening! Candace, Debbie, Diane, Brenda and some of our original committee shared in the fun and the remembrances of our early efforts. We are pleased we could do our part to shepherd an event through its infancy and then still be around to celebrate what it has become. We marveled at the energy and fundraising expertise of the young moms who are now working on the event.

My daughter, Mary Morgan Ketchel, is now a committee member and is enjoying her work for the hospital as much as I enjoyed mine.  Sharon Ramsey, Shea Ghertner and so many others have put hours of planning and care into creating an event that grows annually.  The spectacular show that Greg Smith and the crew from Belk bring to the runway assures that when the invitation arrives in the mail, you send the check back in immediately to be sure you have a seat.

Monday morning's gathering did not disappoint.  The stormy weather outside could do nothing to dampen the spirit or dull the sunshine in the ballroom as we gathered to do our part to support the exceptional work of a facility and team of medical professionals who do their part in providing extraordinary care for our children.

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-Brentwood) represents the 7th District of Tennessee. Contact her through her website at http://blackburn.house.gov/.