The Douglas/Elbert Task Force is poised to “get sassy” in the face of a steadily rising demand for its support services. The task force has set the stage for the annual Sassy Soiree fashion show, the largest fundraiser of the year for the organization that provides assistance for families in Douglas and Elbert counties.

With an outreach that offers a food bank, help with utility bills, clothing and housing expenses, the task force through July 2007 served more than 7,500 clients. About half of the clients are children, in a trend that reflects an increase from the same time last year of more than 10 percent, said Kathy D’Amore, task force volunteer coordinator.

And as basic living expenses balloon, those who answer the door at the task force expect to see the growing need for aid persist.

“Since Jan. 1 of this year we have seen a huge increase in demand,” D’Amore said. “The majority of it is because of the mortgage crisis and the increase in cost of gasoline.”

The task force relies on government grants, county support, private donations and revenue from its thrift store to help meet the needs of a community considered among the state’s wealthiest. As residents tighten their belts, task force volunteers have seen the profile of the average client change, ever so slightly.

While most task force clients were once single mothers, the organization is now seeing more two-parent families walk through its doors, D’Amore said. The task force is often the last resort for families that veil their hardship to the very last dime.

“One of the things I found working here is people don’t believe we have a problem in Douglas and Elbert County,” D’Amore said. “We’re one of the richest counties, why would we have a problem? I personally think it’s because people don’t want [other] people to know.”

As the demand escalates, those who look to the task force for help with utilities and household expenses should make the decision sooner, rather than later, in any given month. Available funds are being depleted more quickly than before, D’Amore said, with assistance money gone by the seventh day of one recent monthly cycle, she said.

Volunteers hope the Sassy Soiree paves the way to help meet the community’s needs, with a fashion show that showcases the thrift store’s highest-end items. Throughout the year, volunteers at the task force thrift store set aside the most coveted donations, which are available for purchase only at the Sassy Soiree Boutique.

Fashion mavens who attend the Sassy Soiree will have the opportunity to browse the gently-, and in come cases, never-used items handpicked to be sold at the annual show.

Clothing to be modeled and available for purchase in the Sassy Soiree Boutique include labels such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Chico's, Liz Claiborne, Coldwater Creek, Jones New York, Jaclyn Smith, Talbots, Hermes, Burberry, Carole Little and Ralph Lauren. Also available, for the crowd’s youngest slaves to fashion, are a number of outfits from Little Miss.

Accessories and shoes include items from Coach, Liz Claiborne, Luisa D'Orso and Chanel. Attendees can also select from nearly 40 centerpieces designed by Tablescapes by Design, Enchanted Eventz and Passionate Potters.

The Sassy Soiree auction features more than 200 items including original art, a mosaic mirror, a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes, an in-home, full service wine dinner for six, golf certificates, a South African safari and a vacation in Orlando, Fla.

The Sassy Soiree Fashion Show is Sept.12 at the Douglas County Events Center at the fairgrounds in Castle Rock. The events center is at the third left turn, about one mile east of Wilcox Street on Plum Creek Parkway. Free parking is available.

Advance tickets are $35 per person, including lunch and door prizes. Ticket purchases will not be available at the door. Reserved tables for eight are $320 and runway tables are $400. Sponsor tables range from $999 to $2,499.

For more information or to order tickets, call 303-688-11114 or 303-382-3869.

303-663-7162

rmoore@ccnewspapers.com