Stepping Out in Style Celebrates 50 Years
For 50 years, local faces have taken to the runway for Stepping Out in Style, turning a night of fashion into one of Baptist Health Care Foundation’s signature fundraisers.
What began as a small luncheon in 1977 has evolved into a highly anticipated community tradition, drawing hundreds of attendees and support from local businesses year after year. This fall, the event will celebrate its 50th fashion show with a “50 Years of Fashion” theme, looking back at the styles, celebrations and memories that have shaped the fundraising event over the years.
Hosted by the Women’s Board of Baptist Health Care Foundation, the milestone event will also bring a few changes, including a new venue and a Friday evening format. This year’s celebration will take place Friday, Oct. 23, at the Hilton on Pensacola Beach.
The story of Stepping Out in Style begins a year before the first fashion show. The Women’s Board was founded in 1976 under the leadership of Jane Pace with just 25 members. Today, the group has more than 185 members and has raised nearly $4 million through fundraising efforts like Stepping Out in Style to support programs and services throughout Baptist Health Care.
“Inspired by the dedication and service of its members, the event has been a beloved community tradition for 50 years,” Baptist Health Care Foundation Donor Relations Coordinator Melissa Schmiedeskamp said.
Over the years, the event has evolved from a small luncheon into a full-scale fashion production, with Women’s Board members, sponsors, local retailers and longtime attendees helping keep it going year after year.
“Its continued success is a testament to the dedication of the Women’s Board members, generous sponsors, local businesses and loyal attendees,” Schmiedeskamp said.
The 2026 event will trade its traditional Thursday format for a Friday evening at the beach, giving guests the option to make a night of it or turn the occasion into a weekend getaway. The evening begins at 5:30 pm with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, followed by the program and live auction at 6:30 pm. The fashion show takes the runway at 7 pm.
The anniversary program will revisit five decades of Stepping Out in Style and the impact the fundraiser has made along the way, both for Baptist Health Care and the Community.
On the runway, professional and community models will showcase fall looks from Bluetique, Colette, Dillard’s and The Market & Mainly Shoes. Each retailer will have its own runway segment, paired with a custom soundtrack to match the look and feel of its collection.
But fashion is only part of the story. More than anything, Stepping Out in Style is about giving back to Baptist Health Care and supporting quality health care for the local Community.
Each year, the Women’s Board selects a program or service to benefit from the event’s proceeds. Last year, proceeds supported Gulf Breeze Hospital, with the event raising more than $163,000, the largest amount in its history.
Proceeds from the 2026 event will again benefit Gulf Breeze Hospital, helping expand services, advance technology and support patient care.
“As we prepare for our 50th fashion show, we are positioned for another record-breaking year,” Schmiedeskamp said. “This continued growth would not be possible without the continued support of our sponsors, attendees and community partners.”
The fundraiser is part of the larger mission of Baptist Health Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baptist Health Care. As the area’s only community-owned and locally governed health care system, Baptist relies on donor support to help fund vital programs and services across its facilities.
Getting an event of this size onto the runway also takes plenty of work behind the scenes. Planning happens throughout the year, with the Women’s Board Executive Committee meeting monthly to coordinate details, secure sponsorships, gather silent auction donations and recruit volunteers.
This year’s executive committee includes President Cherie Meguess, Vice President Qwana Gable, Secretary Karen Brantley, Volunteer Chair Marcy Miller, Fundraising Chair Heather Irving, Membership Chair Jen Smith and Parliamentarian Jodi Bell.
The fundraiser itself is led by Melissa Melvin, who has worked with the Women’s Board for more than 20 years. Her resume includes producing major events around the country, including Super Bowl events and productions at Nashville’s Music City Center.
Local businesses also continue to play an important role in making the event possible. Sandy Sansing Dealerships is this year’s presenting sponsor, with local boutiques and community sponsors also helping bring the 50th anniversary celebration to life. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses and community supporters interested in taking part in the event.
For guests, the evening offers plenty to enjoy. Admission includes general or VIP seating with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, the fashion show and a commemorative swag bag.
“Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured and auction item donated helps advance Baptist Health Care’s mission and strengthens the services available to patients and families throughout our region,” Schmiedeskamp said.
Fifty years later, Stepping Out in Style remains a night of fashion with a purpose, bringing the community together to support Baptist Health Care and the community it serves.
For tickets, event details and information on sponsorship opportunities, visit the Baptist Health Care Foundation website at baptisthealthcarefoundation.org.