The Designers’ Guild of Southwest Michigan celebrated the start of its fundraising campaign for the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor and the Robert R. McCormick Boys & Girls Club of Chicago with a kick-off party March 26 in Union Pier.

The guild announced at its event it has already raised $107,000 from sponsors, including $25,000 from Whirlpool Corp., surpassing its original $100,000 fundraising goal.

“The party was a great opportunity to show our support for both clubs. We also wanted to thank our sponsors for the work they’ve done so far,” said Suellen Long, co-chair of the Designers’ Guild of Southwest Michigan.

The main fundraising event will be a Designers’ Garage Sale during the Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29. Items for sale at discounted prices include quality furniture, fashion, collectibles, decorative accessories and fine art from the world’s leading designers, retailers and manufacturers. Brand-name appliances donated by Whirlpool Corp., local artwork donated by the Krasl Art Center and a fashion booth with exciting new apparel and timeless vintage attire will also be available.

The garage sale will be held at 601 West Buffalo St. in New Buffalo. Public shopping days are May 28-29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A donation of $5 is appreciated upon admission.

A private preview party will be held the night before, May 27, from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75 and include VIP access, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

The sale will also feature a silent auction of 10 specially-designed adirondack chairs, each painted by members of the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor and the Robert R. McCormick Boys & Girls Club of Chicago.

The money raised by the Designers’ Guild of Southwest Michigan will go toward supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor and the Robert R. McCormick Boys & Girls Club of Chicago.

“After visiting our local Boys & Girls Club in Benton Harbor, we knew we could make a difference and help the campaign that’s already under way,” said Cary Frank, co-chair.