--- title: Rock Your Style® Event History | Albany, NY description: Discover how Rock Your Style® merges fashion and philanthropy to raise over $1 million for local nonprofits, creating a powerful community impact through innovative fundraising events. --- [Skip to content](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/history#main-content) [![Rock Your Style Logo](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/hubfs/RYS%20Web%20Logo.svg "Rock Your Style Logo")](https://rockyourstyleny.com?hsLang=en) ☰ [![Rock Your Style Logo](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/hubfs/RYS%20Web%20Logo.svg "Rock Your Style Logo")](https://rockyourstyleny.com?hsLang=en) - The 2026 Event - [Event Details](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/rys2026) - [Models](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/models) - [Supporting the Event](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/sponsorships) - [About the Foundation](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/cause) - [Event History](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/history) - [Become a Model](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/become-a-model) - [Contact Us](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/contact-us) Close [![logo](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/hubfs/RYS%20Web%20Logo.svg "logo")](https://rockyourstyleny.com?hsLang=en) - The 2026 Event - [Event Details](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/rys2026) - [Models](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/models) - [Supporting the Event](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/sponsorships) - [About the Foundation](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/cause) - [Event History](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/history) - [Become a Model](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/become-a-model) - [Contact Us](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/contact-us) ![Rock Your Style Event Photos-24](https://51660674.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/51660674/Rock%20Your%20Style%20Event%20Photos-24.png) # The History of Rock Your Style® Where Fashion Meets Philanthropy™ ## Every great tradition begins with a bold idea. Founded by Takara Wiles, Rock Your Style® was created to bring together fashion, philanthropy and community in a way that was unlike anything else in the Capital Region. What started as a runway event has grown into one of the area's signature fundraising experiences, proving that when people come together with purpose, extraordinary things happen. Over the years, Rock Your Style has united hundreds of community leaders, businesses, volunteers and supporters while raising nearly $1 million for local nonprofit organizations serving Capital Region residents. Today, the event continues to evolve while remaining true to the vision that inspired it from the beginning: creating meaningful impact through the power of community. Founded by Takara Wiles, Rock Your Style® was created to bring together fashion, philanthropy and community in a way that was unlike anything else in the Capital Region. What started as a runway event has grown into one of the area's signature fundraising experiences, proving that when people come together with purpose, extraordinary things happen. Over the years, Rock Your Style has united hundreds of community leaders, businesses, volunteers and supporters while raising more than $1 million for local nonprofit organizations serving Capital Region residents. Today, the event continues to evolve while remaining true to the vision that inspired it from the beginning: creating meaningful impact through the power of community. ### A Legacy of Giving Since its inception, Rock Your Style has demonstrated that fashion can be more than entertainment—it can become a catalyst for generosity. Each year, 15–20 community leaders accept the challenge to step onto the runway while leading personal fundraising campaigns in support of the event's charitable beneficiary. Together with generous sponsors, donors, auction supporters and attendees, their efforts help create meaningful change for organizations serving our local community. As the event has grown, so has its impact, supporting multiple nonprofit organizations throughout its history while continually finding new ways to engage the community in giving. ### More Than a Runway Every element of Rock Your Style contributes to its success. From sponsorships and ticket sales to live fundraising experiences, auctions and community donations, every dollar raised helps extend the event's impact far beyond the runway. While the fashion show is the centerpiece, the true highlight has always been the community that comes together to support a cause greater than itself. ## The Golden Hanger Award Introduced in 2014, the Golden Hanger Award recognizes the event's top individual fundraiser each year. More than a competition, the award celebrates the extraordinary commitment of the community leaders who inspire others to give. Every recipient represents the passion, generosity and dedication that defines the spirit of Rock Your Style. As fundraising has continued to grow, so too has the impact these individuals have made on the organizations and people served through the event. ![Rock Your Style Event Photos-26](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rock%20Your%20Style%20Event%20Photos-26.png?width=300&height=300&name=Rock%20Your%20Style%20Event%20Photos-26.png "Rock Your Style Event Photos-26") ### Golden Hanger Award Recipients - **2014**  Marcus Pryor: $3,970 - **2015**  Tush Nikollaj:  $4,774 - **2016**  Patrick Noonan: $9,011 - **2017**  Dawn Abbuhl & Sujata Chaudry: $16,545 - **2018**  Reneé Abdou-Malta:  $10,258 - **2019**  Kathleen McLean: $6,983 - **2023**  Dr. Jenny Malatras: $25,586 - **2024**  Dr. Karen Tedesco: $26,675 - **2025**  Dr. Maria Theodoulou:  $29,150 ## The People Behind the Runway Every runway tells a story. For nearly two decades, Rock Your Style® has been brought to life by an extraordinary community of businesses, creatives, volunteers, advocates and supporters who believed that fashion could do more than make a statement—it could make a difference. From the designers and boutiques who dressed the runway to the photographers who captured every unforgettable moment, the stylists who helped every model feel their best and the sponsors who believed in the vision, each contribution has helped shape the experience that thousands have come to know and love. This page is our way of celebrating the people behind the scenes whose creativity, generosity and passion helped transform a single evening into something much bigger than a fashion show. Because while the lights may shine on the runway, Rock Your Style® has always been powered by an incredible community. *We've made every effort to recognize everyone who has been part of Rock Your Style® over the years. If we've inadvertently missed you or your organization, please let us know so we can proudly update our records.* - Non-Profit Collaborator - Photographers - Clothing Providers - Core Event Leadership Non-Profit Collaborator Photographers Clothing Providers Core Event Leadership - [**2009–2012:** Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Services](https://www.wmyhealth.org/) - [**2013:** Albany Damien Center](https://www.albanydamiencenter.org/) - [**2014–2019:** Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region](https://trinityalliancealbany.org/) - [**2023–present:** NYOH Community Cancer Foundation](https://nyohfoundation.org/) Every unforgettable runway moment begins with the click of a camera. We are grateful to the talented photographers who have captured the energy, emotion and memories of Rock Your Style®, preserving the moments that continue to tell our story. Many of the photographs featured throughout this website, as well as on our Facebook and Instagram pages, were captured by these gifted professionals. We invite you to explore their work and support the local artists behind the lens. - [Albany Times Union Were You Seen?, Joe Putrock](https://www.timesunion.com/seen/) - [Angela Sheehan Photography](https://www.angelasheehan.com/) - [Best Frame Forward, Andrew Elder](https://www.bestframeforward.com/) - Beverly Yuen Thompson - [Brian Wheeler Photography](https://www.facebook.com/BrianWheelerPhotography/) - Chuck Miller - [Fullness of Joy, Tyiesha Ford](https://www.fullnessofjoyphotography.com/) - [Jenn Moak Photography, Jennifer Moak](https://www.jennmoakphotography.com/) - [Kiki Vassilakis Photography](https://kikivassilakis.com/about) - [M.A.P. Graphics, Michael Panzarino](https://www.facebook.com/MAPGRAPHICS/) - [MARS Photography, Mohiba Fatima](https://www.mars.photography/) - [Mason Golonka](https://www.instagram.com/golonkaphotography/?hl=en) - Michael Bombard Photography - [Shaleem Love Photography, Shaleem Love](https://www.shaleemlovephotography.com/) - [Studio Lana, Lana Babichenko](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanaortizphotography/) - [TM Williams Photography, Thom Williams](https://www.facebook.com/tmWilliamsphotography/) - [YTK Photography, Katherine Wright](https://www.ytkphotography.com/)   Over the years, local boutiques, designers and clothing providers have helped bring the Rock Your Style® runway to life. By generously outfitting our models and sharing their creativity, they have helped each participant feel confident, celebrated and ready to shine. We are grateful for their continued support and encourage you to explore and support these local businesses. - [Amore Clothing](http://amoreclothing.com) - [Circles](http://circles-shop.com) - [Fancy Schmancy Couture](http://fancyschmancycouture.com) - [The Happie Collective](http://the-happie-collective.square.site) - [J. McLaughlin, Latham](http://jmclaughlin.com) - [Jos. A. Banks, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany](http://josbank.com) - [Lisa's Dream Closet](http://facebook.com/lisasdreamcloset) - [Macy's, Colonie Center](http://macys.com) - [Mark Thomas Men's Apparel](http://markthomasmensapparel.com) - [Saratoga Trunk](http://saratogatrunk.shop) - The Fontinium - [The Vandy Thrift Shoppe](http://vanderheyden.org/the-vandy-thrift-shoppe) Rock Your Style® has been shaped by the dedication, creativity and heart of many people over the years. Each member of our core planning teams has left their mark on the event, helping it grow, evolve and continue making an impact in our community. We are grateful to everyone who has shared their time, talents and passion with Rock Your Style® throughout its history. - Rachel Hye Youn Rupright, Fundraising - Josalynn Smith, Fashion and Runway - Kat (Brown) Trippany, Fundraising - Takara Wiles, Founder + Event Visionary ### The Heart Behind Rock Your Style  Behind every ticket sold and every dollar raised is a person and a cause worth fighting for. I have seen it firsthand, in the models who step onto the runway to honor someone they love, in the sponsors who show up year after year and in the donors who give because they believe their generosity matters. That has been true since day one and it is still what drives me today. Rock Your Style® was built on the belief that when people come together, they can do more than raise funds. They can change lives.   ###### **— Takara Wiles** *Founder, Rock Your Style®* ![Rock Your Style Event Photos-9 (2)](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rock%20Your%20Style%20Event%20Photos-9%20(2).png?width=300&height=300&name=Rock%20Your%20Style%20Event%20Photos-9%20(2).png "Rock Your Style Event Photos-9 (2)") Looking Ahead ## The story of Rock Your Style is still being written. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. Every model who accepts the fundraising challenge, every sponsor who invests in the mission, every volunteer who gives their time and every guest who fills the room becomes part of the event's legacy. Together, we're continuing a tradition where fashion inspires generosity, strengthens our community and changes lives. [![Rock Your Style Logo](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/hubfs/RYS%20Web%20Logo.svg "Rock Your Style Logo")](https://rockyourstyleny.com?hsLang=en) ##### Where Fashion Meets Philanthropy™ One runway. One community. Endless impact. --- ##### About Rock Your Style® Rock Your Style® brings together fashion, philanthropy and community for an unforgettable experience with lasting impact. By collaborating with local nonprofits, we transform one runway into a powerful platform for fundraising, storytelling and meaningful change. ##### Stay Connected [Contact Us](https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) © 2026 Rock Your Style® and PNGN Collective LLC  ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "United States", "addressLocality" : "Rensselaer", "addressRegion" : "NY", "postalCode" : "12144", "streetAddress" : "600 Greenbush Road, #1049" }, "email" : "hello@power.com", "knowsLanguage" : "", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://51660674.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/51660674/RYS%20Web%20Logo.svg" }, "name" : "Rock Your Style®, A PNGN Collective LLC Brand", "telephone" : "+49 (0) 89 123 456", "url" : "https://www.rockyourstyleny.com/history" } ```