- Details
-
Tuesday, 06 May 2025
-
Written by Sheila D. Barker
Swap and Shop events are more than just gatherings; they are powerful platforms for fostering community, sustainability, and economic empowerment. By bringing together like-minded individuals, these events facilitate the exchange of goods in a way that reduces waste and promotes a circular economy. Instead of letting unused items clutter space or end up in landfills, they will get a second life.
These events create a sense of community, as participants connect over shared values and interests. The interactions that occur at Swap and Shop events can lead to lasting relationships and a stronger local network. It's an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about sustainability, fashion, and the importance of supporting local businesses.
Participating in a Swap and Shop event is simple and rewarding. First, gather clothing or wardrobe items that are no longer worn but still in good condition. These could be clothes, accessories, or even shoes that someone else might find joy in. For the upcoming event hosted by Saucha Living and Room2Tailor, bringing 5 or more items will reduce the entry fee from $30 to $20.
Once the items have been selected, head to the event location—Blissful Alchemists at 414 Ray Ave—on May 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets not only grant access to the event but also include a drink voucher for a delicious, alcohol-free beverage from the Sober Bartender.
Enjoy a day of swapping, shopping, and connecting with other women who share a passion for sustainable living.
Pre-registration is required for this event. To register and purchase tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/3hyxvc96. Tickets are limited.
Swap Rules
1. No Grumpy-Gretchens or Selfish-Susan’s will be tolerated.
2. Bring a shopping bag & hangers for donation items, as needed.
3. No swapping of items until the Hosts give the announcement.
4. Guests may only have 5 items in hand during the group’s first 15-minute swap.
5. Hosts will announce when Final Swap begins.
At this time, attendees can hoard as much as their bags and hands can hold.
6. Put anything in the “Safe Zone” you don’t want taken. All clothing not on your body or in your shopping bag(s) will be considered fair game!
7. Any disagreements will be decided by a coin toss facilitated by event hosts
8. No messy food/drinks near the clothing.
9. Introduce yourself to someone new and have fun.
Swap & Shop Agenda
2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.: Welcome- Check in at the table to receive the swap rules, full itinerary, and drink ticket. Guests will have time to stage donated items (self-guided), browse the event, and enjoy mingling with others. Clear signage and a map will guide attendees to where to place their donations. Drink tickets will be good for one mocktail from The Sober Bartender.
2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.: Group Swapping – To ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all, swapping during this time will be in groups. Groups will be called in order, allowing everyone a fair chance to explore and choose new treasures.
4 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Final Time, Swap Away- Select as many items as your heart desires. Items that are not spoken for will be donated to Fayetteville Urban Ministries.
Embracing Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion is about making mindful choices that consider the environmental and social impacts of our clothing. Participation in a Swap and Shop event means embracing a more sustainable approach to fashion. Swapping clothes extends the life cycle of garments, reducing the need for new production and minimizing waste.
In addition to swapping, consider the materials and manufacturing processes behind the clothes.
Opt for items made from eco-friendly materials or those produced by ethical brands. Contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry and set an example for others to follow by making these choices.
Making an Impact: Supporting HEAL and Fayetteville Urban Ministry
The Swap and Shop event provides an opportunity to support important causes. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit HEAL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to holistic recovery and wellness. HEAL offers prevention services and support for individuals and families affected by substance use, trauma, mental health challenges and military-related PTSD.
Additionally, any unclaimed swap items will be donated to Fayetteville Urban Ministry, an organization committed to serving the local community through various programs and services. Participation in this event means embracing sustainable fashion and contributing to the well-being of the community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.
- Details
-
Tuesday, 06 May 2025
-
Written by Jamie Bishop
On Armed Forces Day, May 17, the veteran community in Harnett County will gather for a special cause at Static Line Brewing Company, a veteran-owned and operated craft brewery located at 1671 Buffalo Lake Road, Sanford. The event—an Overland-Themed Car Show Fundraiser—is a collaboration between Static Line and Mind Over Land, a North Carolina-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reconnecting veterans with the outdoors through vehicle-based adventures.
The fundraiser, which runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., will showcase a wide range of off-road vehicles: Jeeps, Toyotas, overland rigs, and trucks—each a testament to freedom, grit, and individuality. Participants can register their vehicles for a $10 entry fee, while attendees can vote for their favorite rig for just $2 per ticket. In addition to the car show, there will be a raffle featuring an overland fridge generously donated by a supporting company from Asheville, with all proceeds going directly to support veteran outdoor excursions.
“We wanted to hold this event on Armed Forces Day as a way to honor those who serve, have served, and continue to serve,” said retired Chief Petty Officer Chad Bruner, one of the co-founders of Mind Over Land. “Everything we raise goes back into our mission. We’re 100% donation-funded, and we don’t charge veterans to participate in our events.”
Mind Over Land is led by three retired military leaders: Chief Warrant Officer 4 Seth Smith, Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Shores and Bruner. Each brings years of service experience and a shared passion for healing through nature and camaraderie. Their nonprofit was born from a desire to streamline services and focus on one core mission—connecting veterans with each other and the outdoors.
“An earlier group tried to do too many things for too many people,” Bruner explained, referring to a previous initiative called True Patriot Inc. “We decided we were going to do one thing really well—facilitating overland-style vehicle adventures where veterans can disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with nature, purpose, and each other.”
Mind Over Land’s programs are immersive and comprehensive. Veterans are not asked to pay out of pocket. The organization provides everything: transportation, food, fuel, gear, and campground fees. They even waive the $50 registration hold fee if a veteran is experiencing hardship.
“We had to turn away over 100 veterans last year,” Bruner said. “Not because we didn’t want them, but because we didn’t have the funding to make the trips possible. That’s why fundraisers like this one with Static Line are so important.”
Static Line Brewing Company, owned by Steven Khoo, a veteran himself, serves more than just award-winning craft beer—it provides a gathering place for veterans and civilians alike to share stories, support one another, and foster community. Khoo, whose brewery website is www.staticlinebeer.com, has long been a supporter of local veteran initiatives.
“The veteran community is very self-supportive,” Bruner said. “We all understand each other. Businesses like Static Line get what we’re trying to do, and they step up. Steven Khoo offered us his parking lot and brewery space for this event because he understands the mission—it’s about more than beer. It’s about belonging.”
This Armed Forces Day event isn’t just a one-off; Mind Over Land hopes it marks the beginning of a new tradition.
“If we get enough support this year, we’d love to make this an annual event,” Bruner said. “And maybe even expand to different areas.”
Looking ahead, Mind Over Land has set an ambitious but inspiring goal: to impact 10,000 veterans in 10 years. With increasing demand for their services and a proven model of healing through outdoor connection, they’re confident, but they need the public’s support to get there.
“Our biggest limitation is funding,” Bruner stated plainly. “We’re not asking for a handout. We’re asking people to partner with us in making a real difference. Come out to the event, register your vehicle, vote, buy a raffle ticket, or just enjoy a cold beer. Every action helps a veteran.”
The Overland-Themed Car Show Fundraiser is more than a display of rugged vehicles—it’s a symbol of resilience, camaraderie, and the road to healing. With beer in hand, engines humming, and veterans at the center, May 17 promises to be a meaningful day for all who attend.
For more information about the event or how to get involved, visit www.staticlinebeer.com or follow Mind Over Land on social media.
(Photos courtesy of Mind Over Land's Facebook page)
How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
