Port City Rip The Runway was started in January 2012 in Wilmington, NC, and is a scholarship fundraiser in honor of Lillie Ann Heggins. She was the mother of local radio Program Director/On-Air Personality/DJ/Community Activist/Philanthropist, Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman. He and his wife, Suprena Hickman, Nurse Entrepreneur, Coach, Educator, & Visionary, started the event to honor her legacy- and also as a form of healing from depression during his grieving process.

This event highlights local talent, DJs, small and commercial businesses, local models, make-up artists, hairstylists, clothing designers, and local community leaders and business owners. The model selections comes mainly from NC locals- who are selected after tryouts. The models are ordinary women, men, and children in the community with a desire to rip the runway!

Hundreds attend annually ranging from teenagers to elders and of various socioeconomic backgrounds. They travel from within the Carolinas and some guests, stylists, and designers even travel long distance in support of this event. The environment is described as a fun, family-friendly environment. The beautiful result is a community uniting to support each other and help send a child to college.