Year 15 has arrived for RAGS, an annual charity fashion and art fund-raiser that benefits Pierce County’s YWCA Domestic Violence Programs, which is scheduled for March 13-15 at Larson’s Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma. More pointedly, the wearable art sale and gallery competition is a favorite among those who like to shop, as attending this event means more than just adding to your wardrobe.



So what does it mean?



It means you are an active part of your community and contributing to an organization with a powerful vision — a safe, just and equitable community — and an even greater mission, to transform the lives of women and children through safety, healing and empowerment. For the most part women are the nurturers of our society, a powerful position if there ever was one. Other words for nurture are develop, encourage, support, and cultivate. There’s much power in those words, and it is no surprise that the volunteer staff responsible for putting on RAGS each year and the artists that make up the boutique-style marketplace are predominantly women. This event is a clear example of what the power of those with a united mission can accomplish on a consistent basis, raising more than $650,000 to date.



As in years past, a gallery-style competition of one-of-a-kind designs will be judged by prominent members of the arts community. There will be several categories with opportunities for artists to win cash awards. Some of these award-wining pieces of wearable art will be for sale affording a limited few the chance to own a truly prized possession.



For those looking to toss some real coin at RAGS, a gala preview will be held Thursday, March 12. Attendees will be delighted by live music, tasty hors d’oeuvres, and first-look shopping before the sale is open to the public on Friday.  Tickets are $70 per person, and reservations can be made by calling the RAGS hotline in advance.



The weekend’s marketplace will be dazzling. Be sure to check out 2009 featured artists: Vinosus Handmade and Lisa Kinoshita’s stunning jewelry and Dorothy Dunicliff’s original silk garments. A precise selection process ensures that only the most unique, creative and inventive designs will be shown in rows and rows of inspiring booths. Think Brazilian open air market, but without the dirt floor and flies.



[RAGS, Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission, Larson’s Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma, 4001 20th St. E., Tacoma, 253.272.4181, www.YWCApiercecounty.org]