Clothed in Cullman returns Thursday, May 9

May 8—The annual Curt's Closet Clothed in Cullman fundraiser has become more crucial than ever, according to the nonprofit's founder Ashley Wilson.

"I think our numbers have tripled since (COVID-19)," Wilson said. "That is when we really saw an increase in the families that need our services."

Wilson said the event taking place Thursday, May 9, at Stone Bridge Farms — in the Browne Stone Center — is similar to its previous iterations. Violinist Winslow Davis, from Morgan County, will be returning to provide entertainment for the evening and two rounds of the community favorite Heads or Tails game will be played. Wilson also said local and regional businesses went above and beyond providing more than 150 items for both a silent and a live auction, such as season passes to WildWater in Cullman, a pair of a VIP tickets to Rock the South, a four course private dinner for eight at The National restaurant and a basket filled with collected works from local authors. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the silent auction with dinner and live auction at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are available to purchase online — hurry, they're almost sold out — but will not be available at the door.

"These businesses are really a huge blessing," Wilson said. "That's how we keep getting to do what we do every day, is from the support of this community and these small businesses that are sometimes struggling themselves."

But as the sole annual fundraising event for the organization which makes providing clothing for low-income and distressed families its top priority, Wilson said the service it provides has become increasingly important.

Proceeds from the event will be used for two of the group's most significant annual projects, Curt's Christmas and providing students new clothes before the beginning of the next school year.

"We try to ensure every child has a brand new pair of shoes for the first day of school. I think we can all relate to how important that is and how you feel on the first day of school with new shoes," Wilson said.

For more information on Curt's Closet or to find out how to donate, find the organization on Facebook.