Buffalo Rising Online

Jan 4th 2008, 1:31pm By Doug Sitler

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller can not only stop 100 mph slap shots, but as he proved last February, the netminder can throw a good party too. Last year's inaugural “Catwalk for Charity” event, held at Babeville, was a celebrity-filled, fashion show meets rock n’ roll shindig that had the town talking for days. Exemplifying Buffalo’s charitable spirit, the event raised loads of cash for Miller’s Steadfast Foundation.

Early Thursday afternoon at the HSBC Arena, Miller and teammate Andrew Peters, announced details for the 2nd Annual Catwalk for Charity event, which will be held on Saturday, February 2nd at the Statler Ballroom and Terrace Room. The event promises live and DJ music in two different rooms, one-of-a-kind auction items, amazing food, celebrity appearances, and the crowd favorite, a fashion show featuring members of the Buffalo Sabres. The famed Hanson Brothers, from the hysterical movie “Slapshot” will be making appearances throughout the night. Sabres forward Drew Stafford will get into the act by taking on challengers in “Guitar Hero.”

“I guess in some ways this event is an extension of my personality. I enjoy music, fashion, having fun and ultimately trying to help make peoples lives better here in Buffalo, and back in my hometown area of East Lansing, Michigan,” said Miller.

Miller, and his father Dean, started The Steadfast Foundation to assist those afflicted and affected by the consequences of cancer, and especially childhood forms of the disease. Among the organizations supported by Catwalk for Charity are Carly’s Club for Kids and Cancer Research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Miller teamed up with Buffalo special event impresario Therese Forton-Barnes, who is also the person behind the awesome “Carvings for a Cause” program and art trail. Over the last 20 years, Forton-Barnes has been behind the scenes at Buffalo’s swankiest events and knows a thing or two about hosting a sweet event.

“It is probably the coolest, hippest event I have coordinated in the 20 years I have been planning events,” said Forton-Barnes. “Buffalo needed an event like Catwalk for Charity."

Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s event, “Catwalk” moved down the street to the larger, and stunning, Statler Ballroom and Terrace Room. Miller said that there will be two performance rooms, one for live music and the other for South Beach, FL techno DJ, JP Riguad. Sticking with a Sabres connection, the food and beverage stations will be themed from the home nations of the team’s players. A brief list of auction items revealed a handpainted replica Ryan Miller mask, a team autographed bubble hockey game and dinner for 8 with Miller and two teammates, to name a few.

Miller is one of the leaders on the team, so does he strong arm his teammates in sashaying down the catwalk?

“Last year it was a little tough to get my teammates to attend this event, but because the guys had so much fun they are all looking forward to this year’s event,” said Miller. “It’s fun seeing the everyone relax a little and be themselves.”

For more information, please visit www.thesteadfastfoundation.com, or to purchase tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com

Photo: Ryan Miller flanked by Dean Miller and Therese Forton-Barnes.