Story and photo by Justin Hall, Courier correspondent.
Together We Rise held a fundraiser at Gata's this past Saturday. Despite a downpour of rain, there was a good turnout for the event which featured local businesses from the area.
Even though the rain presented a major challenge, Kat Arnsdorff, head of Together We Rise was still proud of the turnout for the event.
'We've really appreciated everyone's support today,' said Arnsdorff.
She also used this opportunity to once again promote the organization for burn victims including herself.
'Everything that has been donated and everting that has been sold will be put back into the Together We Rise fundraiser for the burn patients in our area,' said Arnsdorff.
Arnsdorff was a burn victim herself by being in an accident a few years ago. Being in the burn center herself and seeing the experience of those patients endure and all the trauma that affects the family members, Arnsdorff really wanted to reach out and try to help others in that position.
'One of my main goals in this was to start equine therapy for our patients,” said Arnsdorff. 'Our next step is to actually open up a burn clinic here in Hinesville and that's a huge project that we're taking on and we're really reaching out to the community for any support that they may be able to give. Anything that can help us thrive and to reach out to more families and help spread this organization and bring the community together.'
Arnsdorff further elaborated that Together We Rise will be looking into a venue for their clinics to be started. They have a Power Wheel Parade in Richmond Hill and Hinesville coming in December and she is equally supportive and encouraging of those upcoming events.
'Kids supporting kids is a very important thing to our family and my children are very involved with the organization and what we do,' said Arnsdorff.
Lastly, Arnsdorff named off all the businesses that came out and gave donations such as the Savannah Bananas, Gata's, Bark-a-Licious, Soul Fly Collections, the VFW, the Shriners and the American Legion.
Soul Fly Collection displayed a vast amount of jewelry crafted by Danielle Davis. The jewelry on display included necklaces, bracelets and earrings of all different shapes, sizes and colors.
Angelique Sullivan, head of Bark-a-licious, was there promoting her plant-based business for canines. Her company offers plant-based dog treats out of Savannah for any and all four-legged, furry little friends.
'I make organic natural healing dog treats which are in all reusable container mason jars to help environment,' said Sullivan.
Sullivan was very enthusiastic to be involved at the event as well as donating and selling paintings.
'Kat asked me for some paintings and I wanted to come and get involved,' said Sullivan.
Sullivan also participates in the Humane Society in Savannah and she plugged some events that are upcoming such as a Home For the Holidays in December.
There was also a raffle drawing to give out prizes from the previous weekend's Walthourville Meat Market. Those in attendance who purchased tickets and won had their choice of everything from a Georgia Bulldogs blanket, gift certificates to restaurants and car washes, movie tickets and free paintings donated.