Bags2Riches
by rachel rose
Wednesday, mid-day, the Indianapolis Arts Garden at Circle Center Mall was bustling with the hum of eager shoppers. This was not your typical day at the mall, however. Folding tables sporting a vast array of multicolored and funky shaped bags were set up on either side of a runway and stage awaiting a fashion show. It was the 2nd Annual Bags2Riches, a fundraising event to aid the Trusted Partners Organization in their mission to prevent homelessness in Indianapolis. Designers from Carmel, IN, to Mannington, WV, all the way down to Rex, GA, donated their handmade bags to the fundraiser.
All of the bags were first put up on line for voting, to allow voters a chance to determine which ten bags would be up for raffle the day of the event. On that day, attendees were able to purchase as many raffle tickets or “votes,” as they wished, $5 a piece or six for $20. In addition to the raffle, bags were available for sale as a silent auction took place.
Since 2003, Trusted Partners’ focus has been on the training of skilled, compassionate homelessness prevention mentors. In partnership with several local Homelessness Prevention Agencies, Trusted Partners connects those at risk with the mentors. Birth of the organization came in response to a need for this special type of mentor, one able to recognize a common ground with those at risk for homelessness. Jerri Warner, executive director of Trusted Partners, notes “Mentoring is about building relationships. Too often people think it is about giving advice, but that can really just turn people off.”
Like many not for profit organizations, Trusted Partners receives some funding from charitable trusts and corporate partners, but they still find a need to supplement their budget through fundraisers like Bags2Riches, their “signature event.” The organization is growing rapidly and they are in need of volunteer mentors and funding to provide additional office space.
If you are interested in becoming a skilled homelessness prevention mentor, or in making a financial donation, please contact
Jerri Warner @ 317.985.5041
jwarner@trustedpartnersindy.org
or visit www.trustedpartnersindy.org
for more information.
