Clothing Exchange Fundraiser

September 13 @ 8pm
at the Bloomington Playwrights Project

Tickets $10
available at the door

Participants should bring clean, gently used women's clothing, accessories and footwear to trade at the BPP.

"Clean out your closet, freshen up your wardrobe, help your community. All in one night."

Responding to the economic climate the Bloomington Playwrights Project is producing a fundraiser that will provide some bang for the buck while helping two local organizations: the BPP and the Opportunity House.

The Clothing Exchange has been spearheaded by Tracy Bee. Bee, a Bloomington-based playwright and BPP artist in residence, admits she's a clothes horse and frugalista. "Frugalista is a blend of fashionista and frugal," Bee points out. "A frugalista is someone who cares about fashion, but works on a budget." Bee has held clothing exchange parties in her home for years.

How does the Clothing Exchange work? Participants pay a flat $10 to enter. Every two items you brought, earns a participant a ticket for one item. Additional items can be bought for $2.

"If a woman brings a lot of items, she could leave with a new wardrobe for only $10," Bee says, "but someone who doesn't have a lot of clothes to spare or time to clean out their closet can also participate." Bee says she's been sorting her own clothes for the last month and plans to donate several bags to the cause.

"A clothing exchange is really potluck," Bee says. "It depends on who comes and what they bring. The more women we have, the better the options, but even if the crowd is small, there will be something for everyone. My personal goal with every clothing exchange is to make room in my over-stuffed closet, but I always find half a dozen things I can't resist."

Bee also urges women who don't want to attend but wish to clean out their closets to drop off clothing and accessories at the BPP after work on Sept. 16. "The more items we have, the better the experience for participants, the more money we raise, and the more we can collect for the Opportunity House."

"This is a win-win-win," Bee says. "Participants clean out their closets of unwanted items and get some new clothes, while the BPP raises some funds and the Opportunity House gets all left-over items."

Clothes will be accepted starting at 6:30pm. Doors to the exchange open at 8. Come early to get your tickets.

Financial proceeds go to the Bloomington Playwrights Project. The Clothing Exchange is co-sponsored by the Opportunity House. All leftover clothing items will go to the locally-run thrift store, which supports the programs of Monroe County United Ministries. MCUM provides affordable child care for working families and basic needs assistance for area residents in crisis.