Hannah’s Socks schedules ‘Sole Train’
Written by Brigitta Burks | News Editor | BBurks@toledofreepress.comSupporters of good causes can hop on the “Sole Train,” a music-filled party to raise funds for Hannah’s Socks.
“I keep telling my friends it’s an excuse to dig out their old platform shoes,” said Jan Aguilar, a board member for the local nonprofit that provides socks and undergarments to those in need.
The April 20 event at The Blarney Bullpen aims to raise money to hire an executive director to run Hannah’s Socks. All the board members have other jobs and work for the organization on a volunteer basis, Aguilar said.
An executive director could help the organization respond to the growing need for socks and undergarments in the community. These two items are the least donated to shelters, Aguilar said.
By providing socks and undergarments to shelters, Hannah’s Socks allows the facilities to focus on other goals, Aguilar said. Last year, Hannah’s Socks collected more than 200,000 pairs of socks.
Hannah Turner
Hannah’s Socks began in 2004 when then 4-year-old Hannah Turner observed a homeless man who needed socks at Cherry Street Mission. Hannah told her mother Doris that she wanted to give her own socks to the man. This inspired Doris and her husband Vic to create Hannah’s Socks. Hannah was recently awarded a “Heroes of Compassion” award by the Multi-Faith Council of NW Ohio for her idea and work in the community.
“All this was inspired by her compassion and her empathy and her parents recognizing that,” Aguilar said. “[Hannah’s] a great kid. She doesn’t like being in the spotlight, but loves to go out and meet [the people the organization helps].”
The inaugural Sole Train event will feature R&B group MoonDogs, which has a horn section, to get the crowd grooving, Aguilar said. Food from The Blarney will be available in addition to a cash bar. Pop and water are free.
About 15 different baskets will be raffled off, Aguilar said. Patrons can buy $1 tickets and get the chance to win baskets, ranging from car care to wine to tailgate-themed prizes.
A silent auction will allow eventgoers to bid on prizes that include a private dinner party at LaScola Italian Grill and a gas grill.
Aguilar said Sole Train is unique because while there have been disco-themed parties in the area recently, she doesn’t recall a funk-style party.
Sponsors include Hollywood Casino Toledo and Mark Feldstein & Associates, among several others. Toledo Free Press is a media sponsor.
Tickets are $30 each or $50 for two and are available at www.hannahssocks.org. Sole Train begins at 7 p.m. April 20. The Blarney Bullpen is at 601 Monroe St., Downtown Toledo. Contact Aguilar at jana@hannahssocks.org for more information.
Tags: Hannah Turner, Hannah's Socks, Sole Train
