Fundraiser Will Help North Loop Non-Profit Teach Kids To Sew
Keiona Cook speaks with pride about the kids who learn to sew at her workshops in the North Loop– and often go on to sell some of the items they create.
“They’re little entrepreneurs in the making,” she said. “They’re little leaders in the making. I love it.”
Her non-profit, Lovely’s Sewing and Arts Collective, has a goal of teaching kids patience, focus, leadership and accountability, and it’s drawn glowing news coverage from WCCO-TV, Mpls St Paul Magazine and others.
Now, Cook is getting ready for a fashion show/fundraiser that will help her meet the monthly rent, salaries and partial scholarships.
The event in collaboration with MN Fashion Week, will be on Wednesday evening, September 21st, at the Wirth Park trailhead, featuring eight designers plus some of her young students who will be selling their creations–and keeping all the proceeds.
“Since I’ve moved to the North Loop I’ve been able to attract kids from as far as three hours away to come to my classes,” Cook said.
Besides learning to sew in the 3-hour sessions, the kids also practice yoga and learn money management.
“I know that location, location, location is a really big thing,” said Cook, who also lives in the North Loop. “I want to do everything I can to stay here.”
By Mike Binkley, North Loop volunteer
