ReStore’s fifth Recycle Gala to showcase clothing made from recycled material

In the right hands, anything can be made a fashion statement. Even trash.

At least, that's what the creatives behind Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHFH) ReStore's Recycle Gala believe.

Now in its fifth year, the event hosted by CVHFH and the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors (CRAAR) on April 20 will showcase just how creative designers — including members of CRAAR as well as the general public — can get with unique and imaginative outfits made from items diverted from the landfill.

Clothing and accessories for the 'trashion show' must be designed with at least one item from the ReStore and in years past, have been made with coffee filters, plastic bags, dryer sheets, siding material, shutters, chicken wire and more.

'There are some pretty creative people out there,' said Deb Winter, chair of CVHFH's construction committee and regular designer for Patti Kunz, CVHFH's director of development, and CVHFH's executive director Jeff Capps.

This year Winter plans to design a dress and vest from signage from last year's three-day Home Builders Blitz, but in years past she's designed outfits from empty Capri Sun juice containers, seat belt webbing, and carpet padding, she said.

The event's theme fits directly with the ReStore's mission to redirect reusable items from the landfill. In fact, in the last year alone, the ReStore has diverted more than 470 tons of trash, CVHFH's Communications Manager Jonny Lipford said. But, as much as they divert, they are not a recycling center, he reminded.

'ReStore is a perpetual fundraiser for Habitat,' he explained. 'We sell reusable items to raise money to build homes. So we don't take unusable goods. It has to have some life left in it to be resealable.'

Since CVHFH opened in 1988, they've built 142 homes and are currently in the process of building two more, Kunz said.

Each one, on average, costs the organization $125,000, which 'adds up fast,' she added, underscoring the 'incredible impact' fundraisers like the Recycle Gala have on Habitat's ability to build homes for families in need.

'I can't personally write a check for $125,000. I work for a nonprofit,' Kunz said with a laugh.

In fact, the Gala is CVHFH's largest fundraiser — raising a cumulative $65,000 over five years, said Sonya LaGrange, a Skogman Realtor and chair of CVHFH's CRAAR committee. This year's goal is $25,000, which will help serve at least 20 families this year.

For $40, attendees have access to the 'trashion show' as well as a silent auction, wine pull and unlimited food and drinks — which have been served from sinks, bathtubs and even toilets in the past, Kunz said.

Money raised directly impacts families in Linn and Benton counties who are unable to qualify for conventional mortgages by funding Habitat's materials and labor associated with building safe. affordable homes with interest free mortgages.

But Habitat homes aren't a 'hand out,' Kunz emphasized. 'They're a hand up.'

Families must prove a need for improved housing, a stable income and willingness to put in 300 or more hours of 'sweat equity' — either into their own home or by volunteering in the community. They must also attend classes on how to budget for and take care of a home.

'It changes these families for a lifetime,' Kunz said. 'It gives them stability to change their lives for the better.'

Even if people can't afford a ticket or a donation to the event, Kunz said there are many other ways to help — including picking up a hammer.

'We try to Habitize everyone,' Kunz joked. 'We want you to have Habititus.'

'It's the best disease you'll ever get,' Winter added. 'There's no cure.'

[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 30px;"]IF YOU GO

What: ReStore's Recycle Gala

When: 6 to 9 p.m. April 20

Where: Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 350 6th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids

Cost: $40 general admission, $250 VIP

Details: Help Habitat raise money and watch as models strut their stuff on the runway in outfits made from recycled materials. Ticket price also includes unlimited food and drink as well as access to the silent auction and wine pull. Register online or call Patti Kunz at 319-366-4485.

l Comments: (319) 398-8364; elizabeth.zabel@thegazette.com