Nearly 125 guests were treated to a traditional high tea and fashion show last Saturday, May 7 at Kershaw Area Resource Exchange (KARE)’s Dressed to KARE fundraiser. This event, not held since 2017, is a crowd favorite and this year was no exception. Local businesses and community members provided some amazing items for a silent auction and FMG Events provided a fun photo booth complete with props. Attendees were treated to a 4 course tea with scones, a spring salad, assorted sandwiches, and a dessert sampler. Live music was provided by AJHS New Teacher of the Year, Hunter Cox. During the dessert course, guests were treated to a fashion show consisting of 25 models who wore fashions from the KARE resale store. A variety of outfits were modeled including evening ware, casual ware, and costumes.
Following the fashion show, board secretary Olivia Hann delivered an update on how KARE served the community in 2021. She also shared KARE is celebrating 40 years of service this year and recognized some founding members who were present at the event. Tiffany Whaley, Marketing Advisor to KARE, made a special announcement. The resale store, which is stocked by donations from our community, is a vital part of KARE and our community. The store, which is often referred to by multiple names, will be renamed “The Exchange by KARE”, utilizing the “E” in the KARE acronym to ensure the store and the agency services are forever linked. When explaining the new name, Whaley shared, “We exchange your generous donations for hope in hard times. We exchange your volunteer hours for joyful interactions with clients and customers. We exchange your gently used items for dollars spent in our store. We exchange dollars spent in the store for programs that help our neighbors.” The new logo was unveiled, and a Grand Opening will be held in the near future. Scott Whaley, Executive Advisor to KARE, closed the event by thanking all the hardworking folks who put on the event. He then appealed to the audience and encouraged them to support KARE financially or by volunteering.
Since 1982, KARE has been helping neighbors in need with practical support through crisis assistance, hunger relief, and resource referrals. Anyone interested in learning more about the organization should visit www.kershawkare.org, or visit 206-210 E. Marion Street in Kershaw.