Less Serious Attire for a Seriously Good Cause

Tired of wearing stuffy suits and fancy dresses to raise money for charity? Now you can either dress up or wear your favorite jeans and join the “Denim and Diamonds” fundraiser for Ripple of One on Saturday, Sept. 26, starting at 6pm at the Lighthouse Event Center in Seneca. Congressman Gresham Barrett will be the guest speaker. Sonic Bacon will provide entertainment and a silent auction will be held. Tickets are $45 each and include a buffet dinner. Ripple of One helps families who are stuck in the cycle of poverty and living on assistance as a way of life. A mentor and team work with each participant to set goals in the areas of education, finances, employment and health. As participants reach their goals, Ripple rewards them by matching their savings and providing paid internships for job skills training. Ripple of One Founder Stephanie Enders said, “92% of Ripple participants are out of debt and 90% of those who dropped out of high school have obtained their GED and are now in college. An amazing 98% have a savings account for the first time. Not only does the program result in improved self-esteem and empowerment for participants, but with the Ripple model, the impact goes beyond the individual. Ripple “graduates” come back to mentor others, and this new way of life is passed down to their children and the ripple effect is put into motion.” A local organization, funded primarily by community donations, Ripple of One’s mission is to empower families to move beyond government assistance and into their full God-given potential. Tickets for the fundraiser are available at www.rippleofone.org or by calling 864-985-2230.