Fashion
Cornucopia
2020

Supporting a Great Cause is Always in Fashion!

Saturday, November 7, 2020 marks the 13th annual Fashion Cornucopia
style show fundraiser to benefit the Women’s Clothes Closet.

Silent Auction

The silent auction will open for bidding on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 12:00 PM (Noon) CST and will close on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 12:00 PM (Noon) CST. Participants must register for a BidBeacon account in order to bid.

View Auction

Meal

We will be offering a delicious farm to table gourmet carryout meal for purchase for $15. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Curbside pickup of your meal will be at the front doors of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Learn More

About Fashion Cornucopia

The Women’s Clothes Closet Advisory Board created Fashion Cornucopia with the goal of bringing women (and men) together to raise funds to help meet on-going expenses and to increase exposure and donations for the the Women's Clothes Closet. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been modified to include a live stream with Jennifer Livingston and Lisa Klein, a virtual gallery of fall and winter fashions & accessories featuring area businesses, a gourmet "farm to table" carryout meal, and an online silent auction.

The proceeds of this virtual style show benefit the Women’s Clothes Closet, a local non-profit agency, whose mission is to provide free, gently used clothing to women who are entering the workforce, in the workforce, or otherwise in need.

Vendors

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Testimonials

"A young lady came up to the WCC. She asked if I could help her. After talking and listening to her I found out that she was running from a very abusive situation with only the clothes on her back. I was able to give her three outfits, new undergarments and some personal item. She was so thankful that someone wanted to listen to her and was willing to help her in her hour of need. As she was walking out, she could not stop thanking me for listening to her and giving her a helping hand. When she got to the door she turned around and came back and gave me a big hug. That hug meant the world to me and more importantly provided confirmation that our efforts at the WCC can have a meaningful impact on women who are desperate for a helping hand."

"An older lady came to the WCC who was very sad because her daughter was getting married and she had nothing suitable to wear. As luck would have it, we had taken in some beautiful clothes ideal for a fancy occasion. We were able to fit her perfectly with a beautiful dress, shoes, jewelry, a purse and undergarments as well. Because of all our dedicated folks that continue to donate we were able to give her everything she needed for the wedding. She was so happy that there were lots of tears of joy."

Mission

The mission of the Women’s Clothes Closet is to provide gently used clothing to women who are entering the workforce, in the workforce, or otherwise in need.

Started in 1997, the Women’s Clothes Closet was created as a project by a student social worker at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

In 2019, the Women’s Clothes Closet had 1,622 clients and received 968 donations that included clothing, shoes, new undergarments, jewelry, accessories, coats, make-up, and personal care items.

New visitors to the Women’s Clothes Closet can choose three complete outfits. Returning visitors can select one outfit per visit, up to two times per month. No questions are asked about income or employment status.

Donations

The Women’s Clothes Closet is usually in need of gently used in-season clothing that is fashionable, clean, and in good repair.

Due to COVID-19, we are only able to serve a limited number of women, and being blessed with an abundance of clothing are only able to accept donations of winter outer-wear—coats & jackets (especially ski coats), snow boots, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, etc. at this time. Bras (new), shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, and jewelry are also very much appreciated. Donations can be made by appointment on Wednesdays 9am – 1pm and Saturdays 1pm – 3pm. Please call 608.784.5745 to schedule your donation appointment (please leave a message and someone will call you back to schedule). Thank you!

Financial contributions help us pay the wages of our Clothes Closet Coordinator. Checks should be made out to the Women’s Clothes Closet and sent to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 612 Division Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. Thank you!

Past Events

Feeling nostalgic for past, in-person Fashion Cornucopia events? Us too. Here's some photos to help you relive the fun!

“A person's most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen and a hand willing to help others.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Women’s Clothes Closet?

In 1996, a UW-La Crosse student came up with an idea to help provide quality clothing to women who were facing changes in the welfare system. Twenty—four years later the Women’s Clothes Closet has grown from a small idea to an important outreach ministry at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Our mission is to provide quality, gently used, up-to-date clothing at no charge to women, especially those who are entering or are in the workforce or otherwise in need.

In 2019, the Women’s Clothes Closet served 1,622 clients and received 968 donations (that included clothing, shoes, new undergarments, jewelry, accessories, coats, make-up, and personal care items) from the Coulee Region. We serve women who are students, interns, and working women with limited income. No questions are asked about income or employment status.

Referrals come from domestic violence shelters in the five-county area, the Salvation Army, and social workers. Some women come after being released from jail, halfway houses, and drug, alcohol, or mental health treatment centers.

The financial support to operate the Women's Clothes Closet comes from community members, other church groups in the greater La Crosse area, and in-kind support from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Our primary fundraiser is the Fashion Cornucopia, a fall style show, that raises funds to help meet on-going expenses and to increase exposure and donations for the Women’s Clothes Closet.

How can I help support the Women’s Clothes Closet?

Give a financial donation to purchase toiletries, feminine hygiene products, new undergarments and socks, and to help pay the Women’s Clothes Closet Coordinator’s salary.
Host a “Sock Sunday’ or an “Undie Sunday” at your church or organization to collect new underwear and socks.
The Women’s Clothes Closet is usually in need of gently used in-season clothing that is fashionable, clean, and in good repair. Due to COVID-19, we are only able to serve a limited number of women, and being blessed with an abundance of clothing are only able to accept donations of winter outer-wear—coats & jackets (especially ski coats), snow boots, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, etc. at this time. Bras (new), shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, and jewelry are also very much appreciated. Donations can be made by appointment on Wednesday 9am – 1pm and Saturdays 1pm – 3pm. Please call 608.784.5745 to schedule your donation appointment (please leave a message and someone will call you back to schedule). Thank you!

What Items are Needed at the Women’s Clothes Closet?

Winter outer-wear is needed from September to March—coats & jackets (especially ski coats), snow boots, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, etc.
New women’s underwear, socks, bras, tights, and leggings in all sizes (small—plus sizes)
Purses, shoes, scarves, and belts
Jewelry & accessories
Pajamas & robes
New personal hygiene items especially razors, deodorant, diverse hair care products, and cosmetics

When is the Women’s Clothes Closet Open?

Hours of operation are by appointment only.

Tuesdays, 2pm—6pm

Saturdays, 9am—1pm

Our number one priority is the health and safety of our customers and staff.

These safety measures are in effect so we can continue to serve women in the La Crosse area with grace and respect:

Appointments are required.
Face masks are required (a mask will be provided for you if you do not have one)
Hand sanitizer will be available for customer use
Social distancing rules will be in effect
Fitting rooms will not be available to try on clothing during this temporary time period
Please do not bring extra family members or friends to your appointment
Please reschedule your appointment if you or anyone in your household is ill at the time of your appointment.

You can schedule you shopping appointment through the SignUpGenius link at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054dafa82ca2fb6-womens or by calling 608.784.5745 (please leave a message and someone will call you back to schedule your personal appointment).

How do I contact the Women’s Clothes Closet?

Fashion Cornucopia 2020