Holiday shopping event aims to change orphans’ lives
BETHANY — “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is a fitting verse from the Bible to describe a local shopping event where a gift can change the life of an orphan.
The Gift Goes On, which benefits the Karis Adoption Fund, is set for Tuesday at The Cube at Council Road Baptist Church. The Karis Adoption Fund provides funding for Christian families adopting children both domestically and internationally.
This year, the event will feature a silent auction that includes items like vacation homes in Memphis, Tennessee; Destin, Florida; and Taos, New Mexico, and a raffle that includes items like floor seats at Oklahoma City Thunder games complete with parking passes and food vouchers.
About 40 vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade and boutique items will be participating in The Gift Goes On. Blue Seven, a local retail store, is a vendor that has been a part of The Gift Goes On since the event’s first year.
Adoption is something close to the hearts of the owners of Blue Seven, who adopted a boy in April.
“Our primary goal has always been to provide a home for a child that didn’t have one. A second goal of ours was for our children to learn that everything they have been given is to be shared with others,” said Caleb Arter, Blue Seven owner.
Eighty-nine children have benefited from the Karis Adoption Fund, which Council Road Baptist helped begin in 2012.
Carisa Wilsie, chairperson for The Gift Goes On and Karis Adoption Fund, and her husband have adopted three children. She hopes this year’s support will increase to provide families for more children who don’t have one.
Last year, $50,000 was raised at The Gift Goes On. The fundraising goal this year is $75,000.
“Karis means grace in Greek. The grace in the adoption process allows a child to find a family and be raised by a family who loves and cares for him or her without limits,” Wilsie said.
She said there’s an estimated 150 million orphans worldwide and that one adoption can cost a family more than $40,000. Depending on the family’s need, Karis gives grants, matching grants or no-interest loans for an adoption.
Vendors will be selling clothing, jewelry, home decor, stationary, board games, handmade wood decor, leather goods, photography, food/ candy gifts, organic dog treats, Christmas decor, coffee and other items. Shoppers will also be treated to information about Karis and meet families who have benefited from services that Karis provides.