Kind in the Vines 2026 Celebrates Community and Raises Nearly $85,000
An evening of generosity, gratitude, and purpose brought our community together to support hygiene access across Iredell County and beyond.
On September 30, 2026, The Kindness Closet welcomed 156 guests to beautiful Davesté Vineyards in Troutman, North Carolina, for Kind in the Vines, our signature annual fundraising event.
With a sold-out event and fundraising commitments expected to reach approximately $85,000, the evening was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together for a shared purpose.
Why the Kind in the Vines 2026 Fundraiser Matters
The funds raised at Kind in the Vines support the everyday operations that make our mission possible, from maintaining our facility and supporting our staff to preparing and distributing thousands of hygiene products.
These essential operating expenses allow The Kindness Closet to serve thousands of families in and around Iredell County through partnerships with schools, clinics, shelters, and community organizations.
“Every contribution helps keep our doors open, our shelves stocked, and our mission moving forward.” – Anne Mautner
Honoring Robbie Turner Through Two New Kindness Closets
One of the evening's most meaningful moments was the announcement of two new Kindness Closets sponsored in memory of beloved community leader Robbie Turner.
John and Pam Donoghue, along with Ron and Annie Karns, each sponsored a new Kindness Closet, contributing a combined $24,000 to expand access to hygiene essentials.
These new closets will help hundreds of local families access products that support personal health, dignity, and confidence.
What a beautiful way to honor a life by continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.
Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission
Behind every hygiene kit, stocked shelf, and community distribution is a dedicated group of volunteers who make it happen.
Our incredible Tuesday Crew shows up every week, rain or shine, to sort, organize, and prepare thousands of hygiene items for our partner schools, clinics, and pantries.
During Kind in the Vines, we proudly recognized Sheila Foxworthy, Chrissy Fohr, Annette Chun, and Cheryl Nagle for their extraordinary dedication. We also celebrated Jil Micallef, who recently moved to Arizona but remains an important part of our Kindness Closet family.
Their consistent commitment reminds us that kindness isn't always a grand gesture. Sometimes, it's simply showing up, week after week.
From a Lemonade Stand to a New Generation of Kindness
The Kindness Closet began with a simple lemonade stand and a desire to help others. That small act of kindness has grown into an organization serving thousands of neighbors through community partnerships.
This year, the lemonade stand returned to Kind in the Vines, generously sponsored by Baird Financial.
The stand also provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the next generation of community leaders. Student Leadership Council members Eve Martin, Nathan Kett, and Claire Mautner joined Board Chair Darcy Ridge in representing the continued spirit of service behind our mission.
Through The Kindness Closet Student Leadership Council, local high school students have opportunities to develop leadership skills, support service projects, raise awareness about hygiene insecurity, and inspire others to give back.
What started with young people wanting to make a difference continues to inspire the next generation to do the same.
A Community Worth Celebrating
An event like Kind in the Vines 2026 is only possible because of the generosity of our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and friends.
A special thank-you to our emcee, Larry Sprinkle, and Board Chair Darcy Ridge for helping make the evening so memorable.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and table hosts, including Iredell Health, Duke Health, Blueharbor bank, Lowe's, Baird Financial, Sweet Dreams, Mooresville Endodontics, Ron and Annie Karns, Cathy Critz, Angela McConnell, and Erin Ficenec.
Thank you to Davesté Vineyards for hosting us and sponsoring the wine, Rachel De Ri for the beautiful floral arrangements, Allison Andrews for capturing our story on video, and Jeremy and Alyse Breger for generously providing sound.
And to every guest who purchased a ticket, raised a paddle, bought a raffle entry, sponsored a table, or simply showed up in support of our mission — thank you.
You are the reason kindness continues to grow.
See You at Kind in the Vines 2027
We're already looking forward to gathering again at Davesté Vineyards in late September 2027.
Until then, the impact of this year's event continues through every hygiene product distributed, every family supported, and every person who receives the essentials they need.
Thank you for helping us build a community where dignity, health, and access to basic hygiene products are never out of reach.
Want to be part of the impact?
Learn how you or your business can support The Kindness Closet through corporate partnerships, sponsorships, donations, and volunteer opportunities.
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