MEREDitH’s pLaYROOM

First-time Event Supports Victimized Children

Asold out crowd of over 240 people filled the Fargo Country Club for a spectacular evening fashion show presented by My Best Friend’s Closet on January 22.

Fabulous Fashions & Friends benefitting the Meredith Haugen Play Therapy Room at Rape and Abuse Crisis Center was a huge success. “The evening was beyond our expectations,” claimed development director Kara Odegaard, “we even had a waiting list.”

A special toast by Katrina TurmanLang explained the metamorphosis of the event. Special friend Meredith Haugen was an avid volunteer for the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center with particular concern for children experiencing domestic violence or being victims of sexual abuse.

When Meredith passed away, friends and family provided funds to establish a play therapy room equipped to help traumatized children.

Board member and speaker Amanda McKinnon spoke of how children are able to work through feelings of being victimized through activities like dress up, art and sand play.

Each January for the past five years Meredith’s family and friends have gathered to remember her and to support the playroom. This year the gathering extended to the community.

When asked if this would be a repeat event Kara was quick to respond, “we’re already planning for next year.” [AWM]