Bengala + RUNWAY 2026: A night of fashion and philanthropy, presented by New Era Cap Foundation

The Buffalo State Foundation is merging its annual scholarship gala, Bengala, with the student-produced RUNWAY fashion show for one unforgettable evening on April 25. Presented by the New Era Foundation, Bengala + RUNWAY 2026 will join under the theme of AMPLIFY to celebrate creativity, community and opportunity. Proceeds raised will go to support student scholarships across all disciplines.

“This new collaboration reflects the values that define Buffalo State—creativity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to student success,” said Jim Finnerty, vice president for institutional advancement. “We’re proud to bring these two signature events together to support the next generation of creators and leaders.”

Since 1998, the Buffalo State Foundation scholarship gala has raised over $1 million in support to empower first-generation students, high-achieving scholars, and those with financial need. These funds help keep students enrolled, on track to graduate and prepared to succeed beyond the classroom. Launched in 2008, RUNWAY is produced by students in the Fashion and Textile Technology Department and has become Buffalo’s longest-running fashion event. RUNWAY has provided students with the opportunity to launch their careers and use fashion as a platform for community engagement.

“RUNWAY has been part of my life for nearly two decades, and I’ve watched it grow because of the heart and dedication of our students and alumni,” said FTT lecturer and RUNWAY director Erin Habes. “Merging with Bengala and receiving this level of institutional support is incredibly meaningful. It tells our students that their work matters—that their creativity is worthy of investment. This collaboration gives us the resources and visibility to amplify their voices and expand opportunities for every designer who steps onto that stage.”

Bengala + RUNWAY 2026 is the newest way that Buffalo State and New Era are working together to cultivate local talent, but this partnership has already yielded great benefits for both organizations and the community. To date, 44 Buffalo State students have been hired at New Era in either full- or part-time or freelance capacities; eleven of these hires were a direct result of Design-a-Thon, an annual event launched in 2024 that tasks students with creating an avant-garde piece of art from New Era Cap sample products. 

“The partnership started with our human resources department, whose mission is to find local talent in Buffalo and keep it here in Buffalo,” said Danielle Koch, president of the New Era Foundation. “New Era is a Buffalo-born and based company so it’s important to give back to our community. What better way to do that than to cultivate talent, bring it on, and open them to the world of New Era?”

Tickets for Bengala + RUNWAY 2026 launch in February 2026. For more information, please visit the website. 

“This is a powerful combination—one that brings our campus and community together in celebration of creativity, philanthropy, and impact,” Habes said. “We’re excited to build something that honors Buffalo State’s legacy and charts an ambitious path forward.”