KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Ugly sweaters are being leveraged as a fun and colorful fundraiser this Christmas.
Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo has hosted an the ugly sweater party that CIS has hosted for the past five years. The event brings awareness to the CIS “whole child” approach of supporting students, which includes providing essentials that, when missing, can get in the way of learning. Executive Director James Devers said “We had to figure out a new way to raise both awareness and funds for the work we do throughout 20 Kalamazoo Public Schools.”
Thanks to in-kind sponsors PlazaCorp providing the storefront window and Memories Bridal providing the mannequins, the unique sweaters are on display through December 18 in the windows of the Exchange Building, on the southeast corner of West Michigan Avenue and South Rose Street, across from Bronson Park.
The ugly sweaters are also on virtual display, on the CIS website, now through the end of December. You can visit the sweaters virtually or in person and then cast your vote for the ugliest sweater. Each dollar donated in support of a sweater is considered a vote.
The first $2,500 raised will be kindly matched by Kalsec. Voting concludes December 31.
“The sweaters may be ‘ugly,’ but the cause is beautiful,” says Devers. “Every vote,which translates into every dollar given, supports students in our community, empowering them to stay in school and succeed in life. It doesn’t get more beautiful than that.”
The Ugly Sweater Competition and Exhibit graphic
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