When he and his wife Connie opened Khaki’s in the Barnyard Shopping Village some 18 years ago, his goal was to create a life
for his family, cater to the lifestyle of his clients, and contribute to community. His dream was to live in a coastal town, raise children in a place that fostered positive experiences, and invest in a business that promoted his passions. His children thrived, and his boutique has become, reportedly, one of the most recognized purveyors of men’s premium apparel. “Every day,” he said, “I wake up into my dream. I look around and say, ‘Are you kidding me I live here I’m doing this’ Every house, every door, every roofline inspires me. What people are doing, where they live, the environment, the events they all create a context for what I bring to Khaki’s.” In an upscale town whose fashionable seem to bring it with them, Ockert took a risk. He went outside the lines to establish a designer apparel store 1 mile outside storied Carmel-by-the-Sea, in a place called “The Barnyard.” They “Khaki’s isn’t just a store in this community,” said a client. “It is a community.” “That Khaki’s came to us, wanting to donate the proceeds from their event, is extraordinary,” said Sandra Silvestri, whose son Joey, now 19, was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 2, and who founded the local branch of JDRF so her son would have the impact of support in his community. “Our only other fundraising event is our annual JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, and we just don’t have the manpower to do a second event. For Khaki’s to reach out to us and designate us as a co-charity with the Carmel Youth Center, which we support as a family, is perfect for us. Everyone, from the local businesses that contribute to the silent auction, to the participants, seems thrilled that Khaki’s is doing this event and that they support this cause.” Saturday the parking lot that flanks Khaki’s will convert to an outdoor showroom, featuring Ferraris, Maseratis, Lamborghinis and Alfa Romeos. The automotive atmosphere will be enhanced by live jazz and blues played by the Carmel Rotary Band, and some 12 vineyards and eight restaurants will complement the cars with fine food and wine. “This event comes off remarkably well, is amazingly successful considering we’re not actually events people,” said Ockert. “It’s a big classy party that’s more like a fancy picnic, where everyone has fun. Local businesses and my vendors have contributed generously to the silent auction, which always generates a lot of money for our charities.
“Among the offerings, Alan Silvestri is donating an evening of music and food at his home, and Rich Pepe from Little Napoli has put together an evening of food and music. Walter Georis of Casanova Restaurant put together a special presentation of food and wine pairings, and Sheid Winery will host a party for 10 at their tasting room. The Clement Hotel donated a $500 gift certificate. Canali will donate a handmade suit, Paul & Shark gave us a waterproof Italian jacket, and there will be Stetson hats, billfolds, ties, knits and beautiful sweaters.”