Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Great job on 'Dress for Success'!!!



Last night was another successful event. So far we have helped out, donated to, and brought awareness to at least 10 different non-profit, charitable community organizations in eight months. Not too shabby ladies! I do have to say that we are pretty awesome!

I'll summarize what we chatted about for those who could not make it last night. First we talked about the effects of pregnancy, sore boobs and all. Karen was the only one present who could contribute valuable information, so us non-breeders were tuned into what she had to say... either to reinforce the idea of not breeding or to assimilate the challenges to it. And then we heard of a gal who did not know she was preggy until her 7th month. Fascinating story. Either way, no one was dissuaded about the pregnancy idea. It didn't get too graphic to scare anyone.

The conversations broke into friends catching up over the holidays and getting the skinny on everyone's daily lives, work and challenges. We discussed the blog last night too. A calendar feature would be great so that we all can see our upcoming events. Anyone know how to do it? Also, it would be super helpful if everyone signed up to be a follower or checked in with it so I'm not cramming your email account with "... oh, one more thing" announcements! I don't want to be a pest and deter participation. Also, if you are on the list and don't want to be, let me know. Our gatherings work for some people's schedules and not others. Heck, if you can't come to ours, then start up your own that fits your schedule.

We sent a sign up sheet around for the volunteer evening at 'Dress for Success'. It looks like Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best for those with limited schedules. I'm proposing next Wednesday, 1/21 for the volunteer night. It's the day after the inauguration, so we can celebrate our new futures after we are done! Please email me if you plan on attending so I can get Monique a head count. We can always do another volunteer party if you can't make this one. She needs help all of the time. If you have more stuff to donate, you can bring it by before next Wednesday, or if you are volunteering, bring it then. I will need help transporting all of the clothing there, so if you have a rig that would be good for hanging clothes in, then our job will be easier. Monique suggested the hours of 5:30pm-7:30pm. That might be tough for some of you just getting off of work. I'll see if we can start a little later if you want. Or, whoever can get to the studio early, can help load the stuff into cars and then we can meet everyone at the donation site. Let me know what fits your schedules so we can tighten up the plans.

We have several GNO gals that are constantly doing 'Good Deeds'. It's in their blood and there is no stopping them... thank goodness! What would we do without people like them making the world a better place!

I am hoping that all of you will update me with your details and fund-raising events so that I can post it here and everyone will get the opportunity to help you out the best way they can. Make sure you provide links to your fund raising pages and to the cause. I will update the blog when the information rolls in.
Here are some of our Super Stars!

1. Kara: Champagne & Chocolates. http://www.seattledg.com/auction.htm. The cause is for training guide dogs for the blind. It's coming up 2/28. Buy tickets, volunteer and/or see details below for our next Sharity event.
2. Jennifer: YMCA Partners with Youth Campaign. Her goal is $500. I'm putting in $25.oo. Who is going to match it? They help at risk youth and provide great community programs. Let's help!
3. Patrice, Michelle, Melinda: 3-day breast cancer walk. Info/details TBA!
4. Karen & Teri: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Sounds like the infamous Art Auction is waking up again! We need art, service and product donations! It's a big event and a lot of work. Volunteers are great too!

I will send everyone's contact information in an email so as to keep it private for the group. Then you can coordinate directly with each other on helping the best way you can.

The next GNO will be 2/10/09 here at the studio. The Sharity of the month is: Champagne & Chocolates. Our assignment consists of a few choices: Secure at least one donation for the silent auction, volunteer to help with the event, and/or buy a ticket to support the cause. One need that arose last night is veterinary care for the dogs who assist the visually impaired. If you know a vet, or have resources and ideas on how to help out in this area, please bring them to Kara's attention.

Thanks ladies for another good deed done! Sign up for next Wednesday, and for those who can't make it then, we'll do another one.

Thank you!
Doreen

Monday, January 5, 2009

The next GNO.... 1/13/09 Dress for Success!

Hey Ladies!

Happy New Year! Between the holiday mayhem and the snow days, I'm looking forward to 'normal' again! Can't wait to see you guys!

I spoke with Monique at Dress for Success this morning. If you aren't familiar with the cause, this link gives you a summary ( http://www.dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?sisid=63&pageid=18 ). We had a great conversation and she gave good information as to what they need. Listed below is from their web site along with some other tidbits she offered up. She did ask that we 'think outside the box' for what women may need to get a jump start in the work place. Handbags are in big need!

She was excited to hear about what we do and said she could really use our help at a Sorting Party! She can take about 6-10 gals at a time and will give a tour of the facility and then we'll jump in on organizing the donations for the boutiques! Weeknights from 5:30-7:30 pm are what she needs. Anyone want to sign up with me?

Here ya go! Clean out the closets again!

Dress for Success Seattle

Handbags***
Socks***
Coats***
Mittens/Gloves***
Outerwear***
Belts/Accessories
Winter scarves
Hats
Umbrellas
Jewelry
Plus size clothing (16 and above)
Shoes sized 11 and up
New underwear
Deodorant
Feminine Hygiene Products
Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
Department store paper shopping bags

*** High demand.

We cannot accept:
Clothing in bags
Casual clothing such as: jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes & flip flops
Nightwear
Active wear
Men’s clothing
Soiled or stained clothing

Other things on the Wish List
-Clear plastic bins
-Shopping bags
-Bus tickets for clients
-Copy paper
-Paper cups, plates, napkins & silverware
-Journals
-Notebooks
-Laminating machine

Please let me know if you can make it. Tuesday night, 1/13/09 6pm'ish, at the studio.

Thanks and I hope to see you!
Doreen