Chrissy DeForrest first encountered the CHOP Runway fundraiser, a fashion show featuring Philadelphia’s top boutiques and designers, as a model with Oscar de la Renta. This year, she’s contributing to the cause through Raising Dough with The Little Wildflour, a series of sourdough making classes with proceeds benefiting CHOP’s Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit whose professionals care for extremely ill babies battling prematurity effects; birth defects; lung, heart and gastrointestinal conditions; and other disorders.
Chrissy is the mind behind The Little Wildflour, an artisanal sourdough microbakery in the making, based in New Hope. She joined CHOP's Runway committee after being approached by Newtown resident Sabrina Thorne, the event's co-chair for the second year in a row. Last year, they raised $654,000.
Sabrina says this year's fashion show is May 19 at The Bellevue Hotel in Philly.
"Once you see how unbelievable these times are for families at CHOP and what this funding can do for them, you'll want to be involved," Sabrina adds.
"Philanthropy is my love language. I love using my platform to spread awareness whenever and however I can,” Chrissy says. “While living and working as a model in New York City for 15 years, I had the privilege of working with Robin Hood, one of the city’s leading charitable organizations. I'm incredibly grateful to now be connected to the incredible mission of one of the leading children’s hospitals in the world."
The first sourdough class, scheduled for May 3, will be a private event held at Chrissy’s home, followed by a luncheon provided by Thyme & Plate Catering of Carversville.
“We’ll be showcasing the concept to then hopefully work with other local vendors, farm and restaurants for future events,” she explains. “I’ve had such amazing support from businesses all around. It feels like a real community where we’re all genuinely connecting to help support something bigger than ourselves.”
Chrissy is covering the event's overhead and supply costs, meaning every dollar donated will go directly to CHOP’s efforts. She hopes to open up future opportunities to other community members, with funding going to any worthy cause.
“With each class, we want to assess where the need is,” she explains. “I even have dreams of starting a community garden that our schools have access to. It’s ever-evolving.”
Chrissy says she'll post updates about future classes on her Instagram @thelittlewildflour.