Rally On the Runway Celebrates 20 Years at Georgia Aquarium

Annual event raises funds for childhood cancer research and family programs.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:09pm

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Rally On the Runway, a fundraising event for childhood cancer research and family support programs, is returning to the Georgia Aquarium this Friday. The event, organized by the Rally Foundation, will feature a runway show with Rally Kid Emily Kate modeling, along with an appearance by former NFL player Chris Draft. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Rally Foundation, which has raised $47.5 million for childhood cancer research since 2005.

Why it matters

The Rally On the Runway event brings together the Atlanta community to support the important work of the Rally Foundation, which has made significant strides in funding childhood cancer research and providing critical resources for affected families. As a milestone year for the organization, this event highlights its lasting impact and the continued need for awareness and support in the fight against pediatric cancer.

The details

The Rally On the Runway event will take place this Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. The runway show will feature Rally Kid Emily Kate, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, as well as an appearance by former NFL player Chris Draft, who will serve as an escort. The event is organized by the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The organization recently announced a record-breaking $7 million in research grants, bringing its total funding to $47.5 million since 2005.

  • Rally On the Runway is returning this Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The Rally Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The players

Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research

A non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for childhood cancer research and providing support programs for affected families. The organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Chris Draft

A former NFL player who will serve as an escort for the runway show at the Rally On the Runway event.

Emily Kate (EK)

A Rally Kid who was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma and will be modeling in the runway show.

Stefanie McKinney

The mother of Rally Kid Emily Kate and the Advocacy and Grants Manager for the Rally Foundation.

Dean Crowe

The Founder and CEO of the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.

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What they’re saying

“Rally On the Runway brings together families, supporters, and community leaders to raise money for childhood cancer research and patient-family programs.”

— Dean Crowe, Founder and CEO, Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research

“We're excited to have Chris Draft join us as an escort for this year's runway show.”

— Stefanie McKinney, Advocacy and Grants Manager, Rally Foundation

What’s next

The Rally On the Runway event will take place this Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Tickets and more information are available on the Rally Foundation's website.

The takeaway

The Rally On the Runway event is a testament to the enduring commitment of the Atlanta community to support childhood cancer research and the families affected by this devastating disease. As the Rally Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, this event highlights the organization's significant impact and the continued need for awareness and funding to advance cancer treatments and provide vital resources for patients and their loved ones.