When Fashion Gives Back: Veronica Beard’s Sip & Shop for Blood Cancer United

As I stood in the boutique, watching fashionable women mingle and browse Veronica Beard’s newest pieces, I was excited to see firsthand that making a difference could also be chic. On February 21, 2026, as part of a fundraising campaign I was running for Blood Cancer United, I hosted a Sip & Shop that brought friends and supporters together for an afternoon centered around fashion, community, and giving back.

 The idea behind the event was simple: create something fun and social while also supporting an important cause. Ten percent of the event’s sales went toward my fundraising efforts for Blood Cancer United. I first learned about the organization after my friend’s dad was diagnosed with blood cancer. She introduced me to Blood Cancer United and the work they do to support people affected by cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. The organization helps fund important research while also providing resources, education, and support for patients and their families as they navigate diagnosis and treatment.

Through the Sip & Shop, we were able to raise an estimated $10,000, which made the event feel even more meaningful. What began as an idea for bringing people together through fashion became an opportunity to contribute to a cause that has a very real impact on patients and families.

One of my favorite parts of hosting the event was seeing how naturally fashion and philanthropy could come together. I wanted this campaign to do more than raise money; I also hoped it could spread awareness and encourage people to learn more about a cause that matters. The event connected closely to an idea that is especially important to me and to Palm Chic: How can fashion and creativity make a real difference?

This experience showed me that fundraising does not always have to look like a traditional charity event. Sometimes, making an impact can begin by bringing people together around something they already enjoy and giving that experience a larger purpose. For me, the Sip & Shop was a chance to use something I love to support a meaningful cause while seeing how a community can come together to make a difference.

Seeing the success of the Sip & Shop has inspired me to pursue similar fundraising events in the future and to continue finding new and creative ways to connect fashion with philanthropy. I hope to continue exploring that connection by highlighting not only style and creativity, but also the ways they can be used to support people, strengthen communities, and create meaningful change.