Marking A Decade Of Impact, Windsor’s Kidney Foundation Turns Up The Volume To Transform Annual Fundraiser Into Rock The Walk
Since 2009, Biz X magazine has been a proud supporter of various events organized for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Windsor & District Chapter.
This has encompassed all kinds of annual events from walks and pasta/pizza fests to a culinary art fundraiser and a special fashion show. From patient support to education and advocacy, the Foundation
provides essential resources for those living with kidney disease in our area. Their events do more than raise funds — they build community, spark awareness, and remind us that hometown generosity can change lives.
This is why we are pleased to be a major media sponsor for their fundraisers, and of course, we wanted to make sure we are a big part of what they are doing in 2026!
Marking a major milestone, The Kidney Foundation’s longstanding Celebrity Men Fashion Event enters its 10th anniversary with a bold new identity and a reenergized vision.
Relaunched as Rock the Walk Fashion & Live Music Celebration, this year’s event — held June 13 inside the Skyline Ballroom at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, downtown Windsor — celebrates a decade of community impact while expanding its commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and local collaboration.
To honour this milestone year, the Foundation has introduced two marquee enhancements: a new partnership with Fashion Week Windsor, and a special live performance by internationally acclaimed Leamington-native singer/songwriter Billy Raffoul. These additions promise an unforgettable evening filled with music, fashion, and community spirit.
The refreshed branding reflects more than a new name — it signifies a deepened alignment with equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Organizers emphasize the new title embodies movement, music, and
momentum — qualities that have shaped the event’s evolution over the past decade. Building on its strong foundation, Rock the Walk welcomes a broader range of community voices, talent, and participation than ever before.
“Rock the Walk represents who we are today — energized, community-driven, and committed to making kidney health a local priority,” states Gene Schilling, Event Chair, during the January 2026 press announcement.
As always, the fashion show features apparel from local boutiques, shops, and designers. The final act of the fashion show will see a select group of past male models making a special appearance.
“Some of the past models will be walking the stage, but we are going to try and utilize others in different ways to enhance the experience for our guests. For example, VIP Ambassadors paired with VIP groups to ensure their evening is unforgettable; Event Ambassadors assisting with customer service, and a Social Media and Photo Op Team. This team also consists of past models who will make sure everyone is snapping as many pictures as possible throughout the night and using social media to promote the event.” – Shannon Van Watteghem-Levasseur, Fund and Community Development Officer, Windsor & District Chapter
Funds raised from Rock the Walk Fashion & Live Music Celebration directly support individuals living with chronic kidney disease, those undergoing dialysis, transplant recipients, and their families, while strengthening education and advocacy initiatives across Windsor Essex.
Key component of the event’s success has been the enduring involvement of the Windsor Regional Hospital renal program, which has always played a vital role in supporting this fundraiser.
This year, organizers are excited for another new partnership with St. Clair College, with students contributing their skills to help shape the planning, production, and execution of the celebration.
The event includes a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening, entertainment and the fashion show for general admission ticket holders. VIP tickets have an exclusive package with a three-course meal before the show, reserved seating, an after party with a full set by Raffoul and his band plus a luxury gift bag with samples from sponsors and leading beauty brands.
The timing of this refreshed event is especially significant as kidney disease continues to impact 1 in 10 Canadians each year, which is over 4.1 million people. Community driven initiatives like Rock the Walk
provide essential support and help raise awareness around prevention, early detection, treatment, and patient advocacy throughout the region. Tickets are now available online.
To keep the community informed and engaged, regular updates, announcements, and behind-thescenes features can be viewed on the Foundation’s facebook page and instagram.
With its bigger partnerships, bolder vision, and a milestone year, Rock the Walk Fashion & Live Music Celebration is set to become one of Windsor’s most meaningful and memorable events of the year.
I hope to see you there on June 13 when the fashion steps out and the music turns up!
Link here to see more on the event and read the full March 2026 issue.
