RENO COUNTY, Kan. — Clothed in Compassion (CiC) is celebrating its third anniversary with a “Fill a Jar, Fill a Heart” Benefit Auction on Saturday, Oct. 18. Every item that is bid on helps provide pediatric therapy care to families in and around Hutchinson.
The Benefit Auction’s pulled pork dinner starts at 5 p.m., and includes two sides, a dinner roll, drinks from HTeaO, desserts, and coffee/mocktails. Purchasing a ticket ($30 per person) gives you access to viewing auction items in person, entertainment options, access to the sensory gym, and a “To-go” meal option.
The silent auction will be in-person and online, so you can bid from anywhere. Bidding is also free! If you attend in person, you will have exclusive bidding options, live entertainment, and more.
Every October, CiC hosts a silent auction to raise awareness of the organization’s work, provide an opportunity to discuss disability supports, and raise critical funds to allow the mission to continue. The auction is the non-profit’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
All proceeds from the auction go to support the following initiatives that go beyond the weekly occupational therapy, speech therapy, and play therapy services:
- Scholarship fund (for families to receive life-changing services if finances are a significant barrier)
- CiC Summer Camp Scholarships (small-group-based, sensory-safe, specialized camps for children with varying abilities)
- New, evidence-based equipment for the therapists and children
- Sensory-Safe Community Events (We host a series of sensory-safe events throughout the year to provide an alternate experience for children with different abilities to participate in beloved cultural traditions, i.e. Pal-entines, Egg Hunt, Pumpkin Patch, and Sensory & Santa)
- Hosting trainings for various organizations (i.e. Saint Francis, school districts) on supporting children with early childhood trauma, regulation strategies in the classroom, and supporting children with disabilities
- Supplies for Equipped, our community-based book study that supports caregivers, professionals, and others in their journey alongside individuals with disabilities
- Continuing education opportunities / conferences for staff
- Involvement in community events (i.e. Third Thursday, United.Connect.Read, The Hub)
- Other upcoming initiatives (i.e. “Try Before You Buy: Specialized Equipment Trial Program” where families can trial sensory / adaptive equipment before committing to buy it for their child.)
Funds raised will allow CiC to continue providing accessible, specialized care.
About Clothed in Compassion, Corp:
Clothed in Compassion, Corp. is the first non-profit pediatric [occupational] therapy clinic in Reno County, founded by Hutchinson native Dr. Megan Bartley, OTD, OTR/L. Dr. Bartley saw a healthcare gap in her hometown. CiC opened its doors to the community on Oct. 31, 2022.
CiC’s mission: Providing local holistic, affordable, individualized pediatric therapy services for families in Reno County and beyond.
Currently, the non-profit serves more than 60 families on a weekly basis, and hosts a series of sensory-friendly events and camps throughout the year. For example, the Sensory & Santa Christmas event.
There is a deficit in access to these necessary services for children and families in Reno County. The nearest equivalent options are in Wichita, nearly 60 miles away and operate ‘for-profit.’ Local schools are plagued with individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior support challenges.
