Uniting Fashion And Philanthropy For Youth Literacy - Monica’s Runway - Fashion For A Cause Shines Aboard Celebrity Ascent

Docked at Port Everglades, the luxury ship transformed into an immersive runway and gathering space where couture met cause. Guests enjoyed a curated fashion presentation, VIP luncheon, and silent auction, all in support of The Jason Taylor Foundation’s Reading Room program, a vital initiative advancing youth literacy and academic development for underserved middle school students. By the end of the afternoon, more than $60,000 was raised to directly support the program’s continued impact.

Founded on the belief that style can spark meaningful change, Monica’s Runway continues to redefine modern philanthropy by blending fashion with mission-driven impact. Now regarded as one of South Florida’s most anticipated charitable events, the annual gathering highlights the power of community leadership in creating tangible outcomes for local youth.

Presented in partnership with Celebrity Cruises and Cruise Planners, the event embodied a seamless blend of elevated style and heartfelt mission. From the runway moments to meaningful conversations shared onboard, the afternoon celebrated the collective power of community coming together to drive real change.

“Monica’s Runway is about more than fashion; it’s about creating opportunity,” said Taylor. “Every element of this event represents access, encouragement, and belief in the potential of our students. When women come together with purpose, the impact is extraordinary.”

Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Jason Taylor Foundation and its Reading Room program, now in its 19th year. The free after-school initiative provides students with tutoring, mentorship, and literacy resources in a safe, supportive environment, at no cost to families. Funds raised will support educators, instructional materials, books, and essential resources that help students build confidence, reading proficiency, and lifelong learning skills.

By setting the event aboard the luxury vessel, Monica’s Runway underscored a shared vision of modern philanthropy, one where luxury experiences are leveraged to uplift communities and invest in the future. With strong attendance, compelling storytelling, and a mission that resonated throughout the ship, Monica’s Runway: Fashion for a Cause once again proved that style, when paired with purpose, can create lasting impact.

About Monica Taylor

Mother, wife, model, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Monica Taylor serves as Vice President of the Jason Taylor Foundation, working alongside her husband to empower children across South Florida. From mentoring students at the Jason Taylor Reading Room to supporting the Foundation’s Louder Than a Bomb Florida poetry festival, Monica’s commitment to youth and education runs deep. A Miami native and former Miami Dolphins Cheerleader (2013–2017), she holds a Communications degree from Florida International University and is the founder of Monuit Sleepwear. Blending her love of fashion with her passion for giving back, Monica created Monica’s Runway: Fashion for a Cause, the Foundation’s newest fundraising initiative. For more information, visit: https://monicasrunway.org/.

About The Jason Taylor Foundation

In July 2004, Miami Dolphins legendary Defensive End, Jason Taylor, established the Jason Taylor Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization. The Foundation’s mission is to support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life.

Since opening its doors, the Jason Taylor Foundation has impacted tens of thousands of children through innovative programming including The Jason Taylor Reading Room, Cool Gear for the School Year, the Jason Taylor Children’s Learning Center, Jason Taylor Scholars, the Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network, and the Jason Taylor Careers in Sports Network, among others.

For more information on the Jason Taylor Foundation, please visit: www.JasonTaylorFoundation.org - Or follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jasontaylorfoundation - Or Twitter and Instagram: @jtfoundation99 or @bluapplepoetry #LTABFLA.

About The Jason Taylor Reading Room

The Jason Taylor Reading Room, located at New Renaissance Middle School and presented by StevenDouglas, is a free, comprehensive after-school program designed to address academic challenges among educationally disadvantaged youth, particularly in the area of literacy. Middle school students participate in the program for two hours per day, throughout the school year, and are navigated through a rotating academic focus calendar with assistance from a full-time Educational Director, certified teachers and teachers’ aids. The program’s curriculum addresses vocabulary development, reading comprehension, language arts, creative writing skills, oral reading fluency and novel study, as well as ninety minutes of weekly math instruction per grade level. The Reading Room also provides individualized computer assisted learning opportunities and homework support.