Mothers sell homemade crafts for a cause

Two charity-minded Centennial Hills families with a knack for crafts have forged a “ cute” partnership.

Elizabeth Radogna and Jennifer Hadden were united long before they met in January. The women were mothers of daughters with disabilities, passionate about the support organizations helping their children.

Radogna raised funds for the Blind Center of Nevada in the name of her daughter Janina, 31. Hadden and her daughter Kelsey, 7, started selling handmade barrettes for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation-Las Vegas.

Radogna met the Haddens outside a northwest grocery store, where the Haddens sell their flowery wares twice a month.

“I said, ‘I have these little crocheted purses for my daughter’s center . I think that we’d have a great connection,’ ” Radogna said.

In the eight weeks that 2 Cute 2 Carry, the joint endeavor’s name, has been in operation, the families have raised about $1,100 for the Blind Center of Nevada.

Radogna purchases the barrettes from the Haddens, who have dubbed their business Like a Princess.

One dollar from each barrette sale is donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research FoundationLas Vegas . Kelsey, who was diagnosed with Type I diabetes two years ago, is an active member of the operation. She serves as designer, co-sales person and budding entrepreneur.

It was her first-grade economics fair this year that got the ball rolling.

“We made 80 barrettes, and they flew off the table,” Hadden said. “We thought, ‘Hey, we’re onto something.’ ”

In about a year, the Haddens were able to donate $3,400 to the foundation.

Hadden recalled the day when Radogna helped take Like a Princess to the next level.

“(Radogna) stood around and observed us for about five minutes before she started talking to us,” Hadden said. “She was watching how Kelsey sold and said we could really make something of this.”

The 2 Cute 2 Carry set includes a crocheted purse and two barrettes for $12.

They sell at grocery stores and via special orders. They are slated to be sold from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday during a carnival at Neal Elementary School, 6651 W . Azure Drive.

Kelsey selects color schemes and helps sell with the women, and Radogna’s daughter Janina helps with tasks such as packaging at home.

The mothers agree that their partnership has opened their eyes to new causes. Radogna and Hadden said they hope to expand to other charitable organizations.

“I think the more of us that stick together, the more moms and families, the more awareness there is,” Hadden said. “It has changed my sight of everything.”

The friendship they’ve forged has a secondary benefit, Radogna said.

“It’s been a wonderful find for the both of us,” she said. “We’re two moms with different needs for our girls, but we’re connected in a way that it feels like we’ve known each other for a long time.”

For more information, email elzun21@hotmail.com or shellybean347@msn.com or call 656-2566.

Contact Centennial and Paradise View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.