Short Pump Native, Idol Contestant, Lends a Hand During Fashion Week

Former American Idol contestant and Short Pump native Zak Resnick returned home this past week to contribute his talent and support to the Catwalk for Kids charity event held during the 3rd annual RVA Fashion Week. Resnick, who auditioned for Idol, was lucky enough to actually receive a golden ticket to Hollywood before being sent home. […]

April 12, 2011; 10:48 AM • by Carin Slisz

At 23, Resnick lives in New York City, but actually grew up right here almost his entire life. He attended Deep Run High School and recalls spending copious amounts of time at Short Pump Town Center, Barnes & Nobles and local coffee shops.

“I still come back a fair amount,” said Resnick.

But this time, it was really special. Catwalk for Kids founder Mary Norton contacted Resnick, asking if he wanted to be a part of the benefit, which supports the Children’s Hospital of Richmond’s Pediatric Cardiology Division. He immediately jumped on board.

“It’s all about the kids,” Resnick said.

Last Thursday was spent with the children patients at the hospital. Resnick, along with Norton, Tibi fashion designer Amy Smilovic, designer and Richmond native Tinsley Mortimer, 103.7 The River radio personality Melissa Chase and others were all there to help these critically ill kids make handbags.

“You can’t help but love the hearts of the children we worked with. You leave with a feeling you can’t get from anything else,” said Resnick.

On Friday, Catwalk for Kids hosted the benefit luncheon which included a Tibi fashion show, stories told by current and former children’s hospital patients, live auction, and of course, a musical performance by Resnick crooning out to Michael Buble’s hit, “Haven’t Met You Yet.” He even strutted his way down the runway, putting quite a few smiles on women’s faces as they clapped along.

“I just wanted them to have fun,” said Resnick.

Catwalk for Kids plans to expand the event to New York and Boston in the coming months.