Fashion for a Cause

Two things we rarely mention on MFb: kids and the homeless. But when we heard about Kymani Quarrie and his effort to help local homeless communities, we sat up and took notice.

A year ago, Kymani - who is seven - didn't even know that homeless people existed. But driving home from a Miami Heat game one night, he caught sight of the legions of homeless on NW 2nd Avenue and asked his mom what all those people were doing there. "When I told him, he burst into tears," Tania Dunbar, Kymani's mother, says. 

From the go, Kymani wanted to help. Tania called around to area homeless shelters, who all told her the same thing - that her son was too young to volunteer. Refusing to accept this, Tania decided that they would start their own organization, and KQ Cares was born. 

Now seven months old, on Saturday, KQ Cares had a coming out party of sorts - a charity fashion show featuring some kid friendly and fashion-forward brands, including Civilized Nation, Diversitile Custom Clothing, K&J Casual and the Miami Heat. Area kids modeled the clothes and the talented tribe from Encore Performing Arts Center provided entertainment. The clothes looked fab and the kids had a blast.

And, because KQ Cares is just as concerned about getting other kids involved as it is helping the homeless, the kids who modeled and performed will be walking with KQ Cares during September's Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Friends of the Poor Walk. They will also be helping KQ Cares with the feedings they do through the Broward Partnership for the Homeless.

Joining Saturday's festivities was Dwyane Wade Sr., who's organization Pro Pops, also works with local communities. Early on, Tania contacted Wade, who she met through his son's basketball camp, to see how it's done. 

Now, seven months into it, Tania said she's never felt so fulfilled. As for Kymani, he says that he just feels "good." 

To volunteer or donate, visit KQCares.com.

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