Saturday I attended the 18th Annual RAGS sale that benefits Pierce County’s YWCA domestic violence programs. Participating artists, selling wearable art, donate 33% of their sales to the cause.
Last year this same event raised $97,000, which helped the YWCA assist 2,845 women and 2,860 children.
Tables and racks full of beautiful clothing, high quality jewelry and attractive scarves were set up in every crack and crevasse of the venue. Besides being eye-pleasing, everyone was friendly and accommodating, plus they had streamlined their checkout system so there was virtually no wait.
But the reason I’m writing about this event, that won’t happen again until March 7-10 in 2013, is because of the partnership it forged.
The sale was held at our local Mercedes dealer – Larson’s Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma, which is located in Fife, just outside of Tacoma. The space looked new and shiny, it was huge with lots of maneuvering room for shoppers and you felt like you were rubbing shoulders with the rich and elegant. The dealership had their deli open for the event, so you could eat and then shop some more.
I love it when diverse businesses form partnerships or businesses support a charity in a big way by hosting their event. It’s always beneficial to both parties.
What businesses can you think of that have forged successful partnerships?
How nice to have businesses that help one another while playing host. Sounds like a great event that was mutually beneficial.
I love events like this! In Wellfleet, where I live, the new non-profit community center is reaching out to cooperate this way, as for instance, the new Blossoms festival, work by emerging artists will be hung in the hall.
That is a really great use of space. Car dealerships have such big showrooms – it makes sense to utilize that space on occasion, especially for a good cause!
This is a great example of community-building – I’m so glad to hear that businesses like this are willing to help rather than solely focusing on profit.
I love it when a plan comes together (“A-Team” reference). What a great partnership, though. Win-win.
Assisting domestic abuse shelters is one of my passions. That is great the luxury car dealership became involved. In our little town, businesses form partnerships with non-profits on a regular basis. That’s what is great about small towns!
I’m trying to think of something similar here, but I cannot … off the top of my head. I did recently buy a coat that my husband really wanted from a local sports consignment store. The shop owner told me the man who’d put the coat on consignment would be very happy because he was essentially homeless and really needed the money. The shop owner said the man came by EVERY day to see if the coat had sold, so that one day … I helped one person just a little.
What a nice model for other communities!
I love the idea of an event in a car dealership, and don’t think anybody has tried that in my community. In the past we have had big bashes held in conjunction with Department Store openings and with openings of whole Malls. I thought that was a wonderful initiative on the part of the business–community minded, but smart for their business as well! Another wonderful partnership here is the volunteer crews marshalled by our largest utility. They have an executive whose sole job is working with community organizations that need help.
What a great way to get the community involved in such an important cause.
What a great idea. I always enjoy reading about members of the community (both business and charitable organizations) working together for the common good. One that comes to mind is when grocery stores allow the girl scouts to sell their cookies as you enter the store.
Definitely a great event. Our area holds a bi-annual garage sale type of event where for three days at one of the elementary schools people sell gently used items. All of the sale profits go to the schools. It’s now become a tradition in the area and raises thousands for school programs that might have been lost otherwise