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Vilonia nonprofit Lisa's Closet goes ‘all in' for local kids with Poker Classic fundraiser to provide shoes & clothing
VILONIA, Ark.- What started as a son's tribute to his late mother has become a winning hand for kids across Central Arkansas.
Lisa's Closet, a nonprofit based in Vilonia, is changing lives one pair of shoes at a time—and they're raising the stakes with their biggest fundraiser of the year: the annual Poker Classic, happening June 21 at the Knights of Columbus in Conway.
Sean Barber, president of Lisa's Closet, says the organization was born out of tragedy, after his wife Lisa passed away suddenly in 2020 during COVID-19.
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'Lisa was a kind-hearted, loving person. She loved kids and just lived to help others,' Barber said. 'When she passed, our son Braxton wanted to do something in her memory. He gathered her friends and family, got the ball rolling—and eventually invited me along for the ride.'
The result? A growing nonprofit that provides new shoes and essentials like clothing to students in need throughout the community.
Lisa, who worked as a paraprofessional, had a special place in her heart for children. That legacy lives on through Lisa's Closet. While the family originally considered a backpack program, they quickly learned about a bigger need: shoes which then turned into shoes and clothing.
'Lisa loved shoes—maybe had an unhealthy obsession with them,' Sean said with a laugh. 'Then counselors started telling us about kids wearing sandals in the winter, shoes held together with duct tape, or ones that were two sizes too small.'
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Lisa's Closet stepped in to help—and the impact has been immediate.
'When a child gets new shoes, they light up. Sometimes the shoes blink or sparkle when they stomp. It's not just about the shoes—it's about dignity, confidence, and helping them feel like every other kid in the classroom,' Barber said.
The organization started small, helping just one school in Vilonia. Now, they've gone all in—covering every school in the Vilonia School District and expanding into three schools in Conway, with plans to grow even more.
To help fund their mission, Lisa's Closet will host its annual Charity Poker Classic on June 21 at the Knights of Columbus in Conway. While poker might sound competitive, Sean says the vibe is anything but serious.
'It's not like what you see on TV,' he said. 'It's just a fun night to support a great cause. Everyone's playing for the kids.'
If poker isn't your game, no problem—the organization also accepts donations year-round and is also holding its charity golf tournament this fall.
Lisa's name lives on, quite literally—the nonprofit's logo is based on her actual handwriting.
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'She never liked attention,' Sean said. 'But to know this much kindness is being spread in her name… she'd be smiling right now.'
To learn more about Lisa's Closet visit their website or Facebook for registration or donations.
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