Mardi Bras Kickoff Local nonprofits Volunteers of America and Transitions Women’s Hearth — which team up on a daily basis to help local women experiencing homelessness — are getting a bit festive for the cause during their annual Mardi Bras fundraising campaign. At an evening event kickoff (proof of vaccination is required) hosted by Berserk bar, with appetizers and a photobooth, locals can learn how their support and donations directly impact some of the more than 1,800 homeless women in Spokane. Specifically, Mardi Bras encourages those who can to give cash, or purchase new items such as underwear, bras, socks, deodorant and feminine hygiene products (the URL below also includes a link to an Amazon wishlist) to be distributed to women served by Transitions, a drop-in day shelter, and the Hope House, Volunteers of America’s overnight emergency shelter.