It’s one thing to hear about a tragedy in a county on the other side of the world – and another thing to provide help. Yet that’s exactly what Mode on Main by Mara is doing.

This Sunday, March 26, from noon-4 p.m., this clothing/lifestyle boutique in Old Town Fairfax City is holding a fundraiser for the White Helmets – the rescue workers helping the Syrian people devastated by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Feb. 6.

“It’s our second Spring It On fundraiser,” said boutique director Danielle Wade. “In March 2022, we raised $13,000 for Ukrainians in need. This year, we’ve chosen the White Helmets for their relief efforts in Syria. It breaks our hearts to see our fellow humans go through so much loss of home and life; and through our fundraiser, we hope to help support the White Helmets’ lifesaving work.”

The White Helmets (https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/) are also known as the Syria Civil Defense. In a place where public services no longer function, these humanitarian volunteers risk their lives to help people in need, regardless of their religion or politics. Known for their distinctive white headwear, the rescue workers operate in one of the most dangerous places on earth and have saved more than 100,000 lives over the past five years. 

Former bakers, tailors, engineers, pharmacists, painters, carpenters, students, etc., they’re volunteers from all walks of life. The White Helmets saved nearly 3,000 people after the earthquake’s destruction and are now doing recovery and rehabilitation work, plus providing support to the survivors.

That’s why Wade, and Mode on Main by Mara owner Jana Klavina, hope the upcoming fundraiser will be a big success. Attendees will check in at the store’s front door at 10417 Main St.; the event is in its backyard. The fun includes a deejay, food, beer, magic and balloon art for children, local vendors, live art in an Artist Alley, and a look at Mode on Main’s new, spring arrivals. 

Buy tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-it-on-a-small-business-market-in-aid-of-syria-tickets-543254507857. Children under 12 enter free. People may also donate to the cause directly via the donation button when they click on “tickets.” 

As for the day’s entertainment, deejay Mike Rodriguez will provide the music and Eddie Kurland will bring smiles to children with his magic tricks and whimsical balloon animals. Coyote Grille will offer its popular Southwest cuisine, and High Side will bring its modern craft beer.

Vendors are as follows: 

Mode on Main by Mara: Women’s clothing and accessories, gifts and home goods; Lucy Loves: Home furnishings, clothing, jewelry and artisan goods; Withered Fig: Specially curated and crafted menswear and lifestyle goods; Earth Essentials by Erica: Natural and organic skincare and health products; Baked Goods by Stephanie Leedom: Homemade treats; Touch by Prince: Nontoxic, natural, small- batch soaps; Adaptive Movement: Adaptive personal trainer and nutrition coach for children and teens; and Beth Robson Art: Custom, funky jewelry and planters.

Besides the event tickets, sales of raffle tickets will also raise funds for the White Helmets. Either purchase raffle tickets in person at the event or buy them in advance online at: https://www.modeonmainbymara.com/products/raffle-tickets-for-white-helmets-in-aid-of-syria. 

“We’ll have huge, community raffle baskets of prizes and gift cards from local merchants,” said Wade. “They’re valued at more than $3,000 total, and people may try to win them by donating to the charity.” 

Prizes range from hair-styling sessions to haircuts and highlights, skincare products, Pilates sessions, candles, restaurant meals, chocolates, massages and manicures.

“When you buy a raffle ticket online, we’ll write out a physical raffle ticket in your name and put it in our raffle box,” said Wade. “Make sure to include your phone number in your information when checking out, as winners will be contacted via phone call/text. Winners will be announced that day and do not have to be present to claim their prizes.”

Looking forward to the event, she said, “It’ll be fun for the entire family. We want people to arrive hungry, thirsty and ready to shake it all off on the dance floor. They can celebrate the beginning of spring and support small, local businesses in Fairfax City while coming together for a good cause.”