‘Boots and Bras’ fundraiser to be held at Rusch Park Community Center

By Sara Beth Williams–
The second annual “Boots and Bras” fundraiser dinner to help raise money for young women experiencing hardship is scheduled to take place Sunday Oct. 27.

Event organizer Lisa Taylor said the purpose of the event is to raise money for women in need, educate the public about human trafficking, and collect bras for women in need in the Sacramento region.

Taylor said last year’s inaugural event was held at a church venue in Citrus Heights and raised $500. The funds were used to purchase new bras from One Hanes Place in Folsom, who distributed them throughout the community to homeless shelters and to women in need in Kenya, Africa. This year Taylor wants to focus on helping women locally.

“We’re going to try to work with Pride Industries; we’re going to work with homeless youth shelters,” Taylor said, adding that girls and women on the street can’t afford bras, and she wants them to feel like “they can cover up.”

The western-themed fundraising dinner is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Rusch Park Community Center and will include food, a dessert vendor, door prizes, and other local vendors. A western-wear fashion show will also take place for those who dress up and want to show off their western-wear.

The event also aims to increase awareness about human trafficking in the region. A presentation from the Citrus Heights Police Department on human trafficking is planned, and Kristi Merrill, who is a human trafficking survivor, is slated to speak. Taylor has also invited Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District to come and speak on measures that women can take to keep themselves safe.

Taylor said watching the movie Sound of Freedom, which released in the summer of 2023, inspired her to organize an event that would help bring awareness to human trafficking because it’s something “no one wants to talk about.”

Taylor is also asking for donations of bras and emphasized that all sizes are welcome because “we don’t know who’s on the streets that needs them.” A donation bin will be available on the evening of the dinner fundraiser for anyone who wants to drop off bras but can’t attend the dinner, Taylor said, adding that she plans to have all bras deep cleaned by One Hanes Place.

Taylor also runs the organization Purple Pageant, which helps young ladies and women learn etiquette and life and communication skills while encouraging them to become leaders through volunteering within the community. Purple Pageant was recently recognized by the Citrus Heights City Council in January 2024 as a Community Partner of Distinction for their volunteer work. Taylor plans to have girls who are part of Purple Pageant helping at the fundraising dinner.

The dinner will take place in an outdoor patio room at the Rusch Park Community Center. Tickets are $20. For more information and to register for the event, see event flyer.

The Rusch Park Community Center is located at 7801 Auburn Blvd.