Contact: Kathy Dorr ksdorr@msn.com<mailto:ksdorr@msn.com>, 253-752-3170 ragswearableart.org<file:///C:/Users/Ann/Documents/RAGS/ragswearableart.org> RAGS 2024: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PASSION AND PURPOSE Popular Wearable Art Sale and YWCA fundraiser returns for its 30th and final event. The 30th annual RAGS Wearable Art Sale and Gallery Competition will take place March 7-10, 2024. The weekend begins with a ticketed VIP Presale benefit on Thursday, March 7. Since 1994, in support of YWCA Pierce County's domestic violence programs and services, RAGS has: * Raised over $2.2 million. * Showcased over 675 artists and small-business owners. * Given more than $34,300 in awards to top artists. * Served more than 27,500 in-person and 7,300 online visitors and shoppers. Beautiful jewelry, creative clothing, and distinctive accessories from more than 70 artists of local, regional, and national acclaim are offered for sale at the juried boutique-style show. Besides this "Marketplace" sale, RAGS also features a "Gallery" of one-of-a-kind works, with winners in several categories earning cash awards. Artists give one-third of sale revenues to RAGS to benefit the YWCA. The show is open to the public at no charge at Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma, just off Interstate 5 in Fife, Wash., at 1701 Alexander Ave. E. Show hours are Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9, from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, March 10, from 10 am to 3 pm. Tickets for the March 7 VIP Presale at $100 per person, may be purchased at ragswearableart.org. Also available for purchase at the website are RAGS gift certificates in any denomination. Produced by an all-volunteer guild and supported by local businesses and individuals, RAGS gives 100% of its proceeds directly to the YWCA for its domestic violence intervention programs. "The RAGS Guild is honored to have been the driving force behind such an impactful event these past 30 years, and the decision to end after this coming March was not one that was made lightly," explains RAGS Chair Amanda McGinn. "We are looking forward to honoring and celebrating the achievements of our artists, shoppers, and volunteers who have contributed so much to RAGS and YWCA Pierce County over the last three decades." For more information about the 30th annual RAGS Wearable Art Show, visit ragswearableart.org, call the RAGS hotline at 253-272-4181, ext. 352; or contact Kathy Dorr (see contact info above). YWCA Pierce County has been a community leader in domestic violence services for more than 40 years. After founding the state's first domestic violence shelter in 1976, the YWCA has steadily expanded its domestic violence services, helping clients change their lives through safety, healing, and empowerment. For more about YWCA Pierce County's domestic violence intervention programs, visit YWCApiercecounty.org<http://www.YWCApiercecounty.org>.