Looking to shake off a little cabin fever? This weekend, you are invited to attend an event with a festive mix of fashion, fun and philanthropy. Mrs. Claus’ Closet is beckoning you!
A local group of seven women will be hosting a holiday fundraiser and clothing exchange at the Sanctuary on the River on Sunday from 2-5 pm. All proceeds will benefit Help End Abuse for Life and The Nest.
As a social occasion, the event will include light refreshments, Christmas music, a raffle with drawings twice every hour and a high-end silent auction, including items from Fusion Medical Spa and the Lodge at Sierra Blanca.
Admission to Mrs. Claus’ Closet only costs $25 and a donation of five articles of clothing for the exchange. Your five items net you five items of your choice in return and the $25 entry fee will be donated to domestic violence shelter for women and children.
Mrs. Claus’ Closet is a concept that has grown from a few “clothing exchanges” held by a group of local friends. “We were planning on doing another one and I thought, ‘We should try to make this bigger,’” said Melissa Babcock, one of the event’s organizers. She talked it over with the rest of the group, who were thrilled with the idea.
An informal leader of the event, Babcock has experience organizing fundraisers in Alamogordo, where she hosted benefits for another shelter. “I did parties for about five years, on Christmas Eve,” Babcock said. “The first year, I donated stockings with some candy and a Bible, which is an absolute priority for me. By the fifth year, every kid in the shelter got a bike, a helmet, a few toys and a Bible.”
Babcock contacted Coleen Widell, Executive Director of HEAL and The Nest, and got Debbie Haines-Nix and Sanctuary on the River on board. The rest of the group latched onto the idea of a bigger event and each of Babcock’s friends pledged to sell five tickets. “We’re at 40 so far,” Babcock said, noting that the event is looking good. “So far, we have already received some very nice items. We have high expectation for the exchange. We do not want old or low-quality clothing. When you offer an item for exchange, we want it to hurt you to give it up! You will get five amazing pieces in return.”
Tickets are available for advance purchase from Ladera Apartments, La Tierra Apartments, Sanctuary on the River and Sweet Charity Resale Boutique. Clothing should be given to event organizers ahead of time when you purchase your ticket, if possible, but last-minute tickets and clothing will be welcomed at the door.
Pictured are the organizers of the Mrs. Claus’ Closet fundraiser to benefit the Nest: Debra Passig, Liz Orban, Melissa Babcock, Veronica McGhee, Jackie Humphries. Not pictured: Sue Hopper and JoAnn Humphries.
