Step Up – A unique online fundraiser featuring artist-created shoes

Three local women have stepped up with a creative way to support Chandler’s Hope Clothes Closet, a nonprofit Michele Holbrook founded and manages in honor of her son. The organization collects new and gently used clothing and makes it available free to people in the community who need a helping hand.

Karen Bowden came up with the unique idea. Each fall, she organizes a creative fundraiser for a local charity. Last year, her artistic friends decorated bras, competed for a prize, and displayed their creations at a fundraiser for Pinky Promise.

When they learned that Chandler’s Hope Clothes Closet needed children’s sneakers and financial support, three women joined forces to organize a fundraiser with three ways to help.

The centerpiece is an online shoe auction featuring 18 pairs of shoes decorated by 16 well-known local artists. These shoes are wearable AND works of art! You can bid online or make a donation to Chandler’s Hope Clothes Closet at https://chcci.betterworld.org.

There will also be two opportunities to see the shoes up close and even try them on. The first event takes place at Story & Song on Oct. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. A donation of a new pair of children’s sneakers is suggested. The shoes will make a second appearance at the Plantation Artists Guild and Gallery (PAGG) on Oct. 20 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Again, a donation of new children’s sneakers is appreciated.

What a fun and creative way to support Chandler’s Hope Clothes Closet! Go to https://chcci.betterworld.org and bid on a pair of shoes, make a donation, or drop off new children’s sneakers at one of the events.