The Shelby Foundation is preparing for its fifth annual community fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 13, this year under the theme “Heels, Hats and Hope.” What may sound like a dress code is actually a way to showcase the Shelby community with country flair.
“It’s just a fun night to come out and socialize for camaraderie, great food, and supporting the Shelby community,” said Shelby Foundation Director Carrie Kemerer. “Ultimately that’s what the Shelby Foundation does, we support the community.”
In her first year as director, Kemerer decided to revitalize the foundation’s traditional Oktoberfest fundraiser with the new theme and an “upscale rural” atmosphere, including burlap table runners, sunflowers and daisies, and comfort food like pork, fried chicken and macaroni and cheese on the menu.
“It’s country at its best,” said Kemerer. “We’re showcasing the Shelby community, which is a rural community. I encourage people to come how they would dress on a Saturday night. Most people will be in jeans and a nice top, whatever they feel comfortable in.”
Just like in years past, the Heels, Hats and Hope event will be held at the family cabin of the late Ralph Phillips, a well-known Shelby businessman and philanthropist. Ralph Phillips passed away in 2009 at the age of 65, approximately a month before the very first Oktoberfest.
“You still hear people talk about Ralph; he was such a well-respected individual in this community,” said Kemerer.
Events at this year’s fundraiser include the traditional silent and live auction, a photo booth, a 50/50 raffle with a minimum $1,000 jackpot and various other raffle items. Making its annual appearance at the live auction again this year is Ralph Phillips’ traditional black hat, donated to the foundation by his daughter Angela Phillips. In years past, Ralph Phillips’ hat has sold for prices as high as $10,000.
“Angela started donating his hat, and we’ve carried that on because he is the spirit of philanthropy; he is the epitome of what a philanthropist is,” said Kemerer. “It’s very fitting to still have his hat as an auction item. Each year, Angela usually donates a new hat; he had quite the collection.”
Kemerer said the outdoor event will begin on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour in Ralph Phillips’ cabin. The party then moves out into temperature-controlled tents for dinner at 6:45 p.m., followed by the conclusion of the silent auction and opening bids for the live auction. After the live auction, there will be a dessert bar and dancing. Kemerer said currently she is expecting approximately 240 people at this year’s fundraiser.
While the night’s events certainly highlights camaraderie among the Shelby community, Kemerer said she also wants the event to focus on the mission of the Shelby Foundation for those in the community who are still unsure of the foundation’s purpose. All proceeds raised at the Heels, Hats and Hope fundraiser are rolled into the foundation’s unrestricted general fund and will ultimately go back into the community through grants.
“The Shelby Foundation is here in this community for individuals to use their money to help better the community,” she said. “The Shelby Foundation is plugged into the Shelby community, and we know where there is the greatest need. We can use people’s donations to be able to see their monies used to help better this community. By giving to the Shelby Foundation your money is invested, and we are helping with programs and operations we know are going to help benefit the community.”
The entire Shelby community is encouraged to attend Heels, Hats and Hope. Tickets are $25 for an individual and $40 for a couple. Please contact Director Carrie Kemerer at 419-342-3686 for more event details.
