By 8:00 on Thursday evening, May 9, we were exhausted but celebrating and smiling broadly. We had just finished our 14th annual Fabulous Flipping Favorites clothing buying party and raised over $6,300 in 3 hours for our “sisters” starting a new life away from domestic violence. The following day we also sent over 1,000 clothing items on rolling racks plus many boxes of carefully folded clothes to Rose Brooks Center.
In the weeks leading up to our event there were over 1600 items of nearly new (gently used) items donated by our customers and the community, and over 300 new clothing items donated by some of our clothing vendors. We had wonderful help from Liberty Mutual volunteers as well as several Rose Brooks volunteers, Susan Borge (our expert "steamstress"), and, of course Judy Hartzler (Jan's sister) and Stephanie Soldner (Jan's cousin) who organize all the donated clothing and make it look shopping-perfect.
It might have been chilly and threatening rain, but with enthusiastic participation from all who attended, we raised over $6300 for Rose Brooks. Customers sipped on wine, enjoyed munchies and danced and sang along with our 70’s-era music. Think “We Are Family” and “YMCA”. The wonderful Rose Brooks volunteers and the festive World's Window staff all entertained and assisted our amazing shoppers. From armfuls of clothing to our mass dressing room where swapping fashions happened all evening, it was a grand “sisters” time for a great cause.
It's "family" photo album time! We wore our 70's inspiration outfits, but our customers ROCKED the shopping buying party. Oh, so many pictures to share. Not in any particular order, just lots of smiles and fun. See if you can find yourself.
Women brought their "Sisters" Blessing Rings back in with them in their hands and in so many creative ways - on chains mixed with other lovely tokens, as an earring, in hair.
We loved that, through the chaos of $10 shopping, we were holding "sisters" close and remembering those in shelter from domestic violence. Women brought friends; mothers brought daughters; daughters brought mothers. What a crazy, sweet celebration headed into Mother's Day.
Our heart felt thanks to all who donated clothing (including the vendors listed below) and to all who came to party with us and shop and shop and shop. We couldn't do it without you!! We love you all!
