The Break Free Foundation began with a simple but urgent idea: no one should be denied life-saving mental health or substance use treatment because insurance falls short.

On February 14, 2022, Break Free held its first-ever fashion fundraiser in partnership with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit 10,000 Beds, raising critical funds to provide treatment scholarships for individuals seeking recovery. From that inaugural showcase, ten people were sent to treatment at no cost to them — a tangible reminder that community-driven action saves lives.

Later that year, on September 10th — World Suicide Prevention Day during National Recovery Month — we returned to the runway to continue the conversation and deepen our impact.

In 2022, Break Free also established the Sergeant Tyler Memorial Scholarship Fund in partnership with 10,000 Beds, honoring the life of Sergeant Tyler, who lost his battle with depression in March 2022. This fund is dedicated to supporting veterans and active service members seeking help for substance use and mental health challenges before they reach a point of no return.

👉 This year, the memorial fund will support two individuals directly.

Why Fashion? Why Recovery?

Break Free is leading a national conversation at the intersection of mental health, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and the fashion industry.

Every New York Fashion Week season, we host Recovery on the Runway, a fashion showcase that places recovery — not perfection — at center stage.

Activists, creatives, and influencers walk the runway to send one powerful message:
There is life beyond recovery.

At Break Free, we define recovery broadly and inclusively. Recovery can mean healing from:

Substance use disorders
Co-occurring mental health conditions
Disordered eating
Self-harm
Gambling addiction
Sex and love addiction
Being a suicide attempt survivor
Or simply doing the ongoing work of mental health recovery

At Break Free, we believe we are all recovering from something.

Event Details

📅 Wednesday, February 11, 2026
📍 New York Fashion Week
👗 Featuring designers REHAB, LadyCat by Lex, and more

Run of Show:
🕕 6:00 PM — Doors open, red carpet arrivals & bottomless mocktails by Pathfinder
🕖 7:00 PM — Fashion show begins

Your Impact

Your donation directly supports:

Treatment scholarships for individuals seeking recovery
Expanded access to mental health and substance use treatment when insurance falls short

Every dollar raised brings someone closer to care, dignity, and a future.

✨ Donate today and help turn the runway into a lifeline.
✨ Support recovery. Support hope. Support life beyond addiction.

Together, we can ensure that healing is accessible — not a privilege.

Break Free NYFW

By Break Free Foundation

Break Free NYFW

Recovery on the Runway: Fashion Saving Lives

Team Members