By Heather Graves
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – A cheesy idea five years ago involving a piece of fabric from a closet has expanded to raise nearly a half a million dollars for a local shelter.
It’s about to get even better as the offerings are expanding.
The Cheesy Scarf, 330 square inches of plush, fleece comfort, was created for a fundraiser by Kari Watt, director of volunteers and community meal at New Community Shelter.
It didn’t take long before the scarves’ popularity skyrocketed and they were selling like fresh cheesecurds.
To date, Watt said the shelter has sold almost 50,000 scarves, with 100 percent of the profits directly benefiting the shelter.
“The funds support our community meal program, continued shelter programs and our barrier reduction fund,” she said. “Each scarf is handmade by resident and community volunteers that work together to keep this project going.”
Residents and volunteers meet once a week to cut holes, fringe and add the embroidered “Go Pack Go” and Packers helmets.
Based on the success of the scarves, organizers are expanding the cheesy collection, now offering head bands and mittens.
Watt said hats are also in the works.
Each cheesy product comes with a tag that says created with care by residents of the New Community Shelter, Green Bay, WI.
Prices for scarves start at $10. Headbands are $15 and mittens are $30. A combo of all three sells for $40.
The scarves are available for purchase online, over the phone or in person at the shelter.
Organizers also want to see your scarfs.
If you have a cheesy scarf photo, upload it to Facebook or Instagram along with the hashtag #SHOWUSYOURCHEESYSCARF to enter the shelter’s Cheesy Scarf Photo Contest.
Watt said at the end of the contest, all photos will be complied and a panel of judges will pick out the best one.
There is still time to participate as photos can be posted until Dec. 29.
The best photo will receive a $100 Visa gift card and be featured on the shelter’s website and Facebook page.
“The scarves let you support the Packers and help out the people at the shelter,” Watt said. “It’s a win-win.”
The New Community Shelter is a year-round shelter providing emergency and transitional housing adults in need.
The facility also serves more than 220 adults and children daily with its community meal program.
For more information on the New Community Shelter or the scarves, visit the shelter’s website at newcommunityshelter.org.