An evening of delicious cocktails and fabulous festivities brought together supporters of Arizona Women’s Education & Employment (AWEE) to benefit the program’s Clothing Boutique on March 5. The event raised critical funds to support the mission of AWEE. A record donation of clothing – nearly five tons of clothing – was received by AWEE to help individuals in job interviews and finding employment.
Funds raised during the event supported AWEE’s unique mission in the community to change lives through the dignity of work. Supporters donated new or gently used men’s and women’s business clothing, shoes and handbags so that AWEE participants can be ready and confident for job interviews or their first week on the job.
Special thanks go to Desert Financial Credit Union, Diamond Sponsor of this year’s event, and all of the generous sponsors of this year’s Cocktails and Clothes.
The event was attended by more than 200 supporters – and held at the Adobe Grill restaurant at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. Cocktails and Clothes included a raffle featuring custom-designed gift baskets, a live auction, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres, with an inspiring program and speakers.
Participants of AWEE are often in vulnerable situations without the financial means to pay for new clothing as they move into new jobs and independence. The Clothing Boutique provides professional dresses, blouses, shoes, suits, slacks, shirts, ties, briefcases and purses – all the essential items expected in today’s workforce. AWEE provides more than 14,000 services to women and men annually, helping restart lives and assisting in the journey to economic stability.
Cocktails and Clothes is organized by “The Friends of AWEE” and co-chaired by Phyllis Dumond with Stewart Title and Kathy Jorgenson with Alliance Bank of Arizona. Judi Butterworth is the founder of Cocktails and Clothes.