Threads of Hope fashion show March 16

The second annual Season of Hope Fashion Show on Saturday, March 16, will serve as a kick-off to April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month and offer a preview of the spring clothing that will be available at the Threads of Hope (TOH) thrift shop. The show will be held at Ashe County High School auditorium.

The 4 to 6 p.m. show is a joint effort between A Safe Home for Everyone (ASHE), the local domestic violence agency, and TOH, which provides funding for ASHE. The show benefits survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children.

“At Threads of Hope, we are gearing up for the fashion show and preparing to display our spring and summer items,” Tonya Roark, TOH store supervisor, said.

An information table will be featured by ASHE, encouraging attendees to participate in a “No More” collective art installment that will be part of the nationwide campaign promoting the message, “Together we can end domestic violence and sexual assault.”

More than 15 vendors, representing beauty products, fitness, clothing, accessories and more, will set up from 4 to 5 p.m.

Graham Caddell of WKSK will emcee the fashion show, beginning at 5 p.m.

In addition to door prizes, a rocking chair, donated by Sallie Mae’s, will be given away through a drawing. The chair is on display at TOH, on East Main Street in Jefferson. Tickets for a chance to win the chair, at $5 each, are available at the shop.

A special guest speaker concludes the evening with a message about sexual assault awareness.

Admission to the show is $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Admission is free for children 5-years-old and younger.

Last year’s show raised more than $1,200 for ASHE, hosted eight vendors, sold 100 tickets and gave away more than $500 worth of door prizes.

For more information about the show, call (336) 982-4588.

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About A Safe Home for Everyone

ASHE provides intervention and support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and their children. It offers a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, crisis counseling, information and referral, court advocacy, women’s and children’s support group and thrift store.

“We also offer educational presentations, training opportunities and conduct awareness events throughout the community,” Robin Falkner, ASHE program director, said. “ASHE participates in several interagency groups within Ashe County collaborating on service delivery to those in need and approaching gaps in service.”

Every year, ASHE applies for state, foundation and local grants, but Falkner said they are feeling the crunch of a smaller supply versus a large demand.

“Competitive grants are being flooded with funding requests and grantors cannot meet the growing need,” she said. “All the while, the number of individuals and families ASHE serves steadily rises.”

Approximately 700 clients and children have been served by ASHE since 2009 with more than 200 adults and children utilizing ASHE’s emergency shelter.

For more information about ASHE, contact Falkner at (336) 982-8851.

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About Threads of Hope

The thrift shop opened in 2006 to provide an ongoing source of funding for ASHE. The shop serves as an outreach location by distributing brochures and business cards and providing referrals for individuals in need of supportive services.

TOH accepts donations of new or gently used clothing and accessories, household items, home décor, books, toys and small furniture to sell in the store or give to clients of ASHE.

“We like to refer to ourselves as an upscale thrift store,” Roark said. “We’re more like a little boutique without the high prices.”

Any proceeds above and beyond the cost to operate the store stay in the county and used by ASHE to assist clients.

“We provide customers with a pleasant shopping atmosphere,” Helemarie Reavis, store manager, said. “We think our customers are special and we want them to feel that way.”

Donations made to TOH are tax-deductible and accepted during business hours. TOH is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday.