The runway was dark this year as the Board of Lady Managers, known for its annual Fashion Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction, instead held what it billed as a “non-event,” raising $30,000 as part of an ongoing financial pledge to Inova Alexandria Hospital.

“This was a hard year for fundraising, but we knew the hospital had needs greater than usual, too,” said Board of Lady Managers president Charlotte Tsoucalas. “We were heartened by the community’s response to our non-event.”

The annual fundraiser was one of many city-wide cancelations because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The idea for the alternative event was conceived to continue the mission of the organization to provide critical support to Inova Alexandria Hospital.

Formal invitations for the event were sent out, reading, “This Fundraiser is a Non-Event on a Non-Day at a Non-Time. Cocktails are not served at 11 a.m., lunch is not served at noon and speeches are not given at 1 p.m. You don’t have to dress up, get your hair done or fight for a parking spot.” Instead, guests were invited to join in spirit in supporting the fundraising drive for the hospital.

Founded in 1872, the Board of Lady Managers helped establish the city’s first medical facility, now known as Inova Alexandria Hospital. Over the years, the Board has provided funding for significant improvements to the hospital’s medical technology and patient care.

Sponsors for the event included Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota, Koons Ford, Kiwanis Club of Alexandria, Van Dorn Diner, Alexandria Tax and Bookkeeping, Laporta Restaurant, McEnearney Associates Realtors and J&J Oriental Rug Gallery.

Proceeds from the event will go towards an internship program for hospital clergy and an O-arm intraoperative imaging system used in spine, orthopedic and neurologic procedures.

“Inova Alexandria serves its community with excellence and compassion,” said Board vice president Mary Ryan. “We are honored to do what we can to support their extraordinary efforts.”