Shopping

Yesterday I joined several of my fellow realtors and some mortgage company employees to shop for needy children in our area. 

Our county is rather diverse in that there are large multi-million dollar beachfront homes only occupied a few weeks each summer, as well as tiny old trailer homes occupied year round by entire families.  There's both wealth and poverty here.

That's why our realtor association has a foundation that raises money in the fall so that these needy children can have clothing and toys for Christmas.  Yesterday's shopping trip was how those items are obtained.

We were given an information sheet with the childrens' names, ages, sizes, and preferred colors.  Additionally the sheet indicates whether or not the child needs a winter coat.  I shopped for 6 children yesterday and all of them needed coats and shoes.

Bargain shopping has been my hobby for years, having furnished apartments and homes on a budget many times, as well as finding mid-century modern furniture and decor as low as possible.  So stretching the budget for these children is right in my wheelhouse, and I really enjoy getting the closest match to what they want/need and spending the least possible.

While the childrens' stories are sad (some living with elderly grandparents because their parents are in prison) the shopping project is actually happy and fun because we're accomplishing our goal of helping these needy kids who aren't responsible for their situations.

Bras for a Cause

So the Bras for a Cause event did not disappoint!  This year's theme was Mardi Gras so many of the bras were decorated accordingly, while others not.  This guy's bra was made of orange slices!

No, I was not carrying around this parisol.  The model was, and when we posed for a photo he told me to hold it.
 

Me with Courtney & Ginger

One of the models was my buddy Devon.  I met Devon a couple years ago when he was a bartender at the Blue Moon.  After the bra auction was over he changed into his street clothes and we took this photo.

I tried taking photos of the models during the bra auction but they didn't turn out because they were backlit, which made all my photos dark.

Me and Kaitie

After the event ended a handful of us walked to the bar next door which has a large open air space right on the water.  I really wanted something to eat since the food at the bra event was a bit skimpy so we had food and drinks.

Me and Joey

Again

This group shot was taken just before we all headed home.  From left to right is Kaitie, me, Joey, Brandi, and another of the bra models (Josh?) who had died his beard red to coordinate with his bra and costume.  I love this photo.

Men wearing bras

Tonight I'm going to see men wearing bras.

Its the annual Bras for a Cause fundraising event for breast cancer. Lots of cities and towns have these events at different times of the year. I've been in past years and its always a fun time.  Businesses purchase and decorate bras that are modeled by men and then auctioned off to the highest bidders.  There's food and drinks and music too.

But as much as I love to contribute to a good cause, I have to be honest and say that I'm going tonight to see men wearing bras.

Pajamas

Yesterday I was shopping for a cause!

I met many of my fellow Realtors and mortgage folks at WalMart at 7:30 AM, with a thermos of coffee of course.  As in passed years we were there to shop for clothes, shoes, coats, and toys for needy families in our community. This shopping venture was funded by a huge fundraising event last month.

I paired up with my friend Joey and we shopped for a family with 6 kids: two age 16, two age 10, one age 3, and one age 1.  (I can only assume there are 2 sets of twins.)  The brief family profile indicated that the grandmother was granted custody of the children to prevent them from being split up in the foster care system.  "They arrived with just the clothes on their backs" the profile read.  I felt a deep pain in my soul and stopped reading.  God only knows what these kids have been through.  I needn't know the details, I just needed to shop as smartly as possible to get them as much as I could.

We were given the kids' clothing sizes, shoe sizes, and favorite colors to help inform our selections.  We're also given a budget for each kid.  In past years some of the kids asked for specific toys ie: Legos, Barbie doll, etc which is fine.  All 6 of these children asked for pajamas. 

Pajamas!

3 of them asked for coats.

Sigh.

The older kids listed some hobbies (ie: drawing, building things, etc) which we used to pick out things for them.  We did our best to get them pajamas and as many coats, shoes, clothes and toys as possible by stretching the dollars allotted.  It was fun too!

This activity is a vivid reminder of just how 'good' we have it, and gives me extra incentive to find ways to give back to my community.  Food drives, Toys for Tots, and gift cards are both easy and impactful. 

Later this month I'll be sending an end-of-year mailing to more than 150 clients with whom I've worked over the years.  I've decided to include in the mailing an encouragement to give back to the local community in whatever way they feel comfortable.  A little effort and cost to us can make a huge difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Rescue me

A colleague of mine runs a kitten rescue, part-time.  She finds temporary foster homes for abandoned or surrendered kittens, gets them healthy and up-to-date on shots, and find forever homes for them.  Its a noble thing to do.

Once a year her rescue holds a fundraiser at a local restaurant, and since Spouse and Steven & Thad and I had been talking about trying to do some new/different things, I talked them into going to the fundraiser last evening.  

They were skeptical, imagining a bunch of 'crazy cat ladies' there wearing sweatshirts with kittens hanging from a tree branch saying "Hang in there!"  But I told them there was a buffet for just $15 and a silent auction, and that we needn't stay any longer than we wanted.  They reluctantly agreed to go.

Of course, it wasn't just 'crazy cat ladies', there was quite a mix of people/ages.  The food was actually good and we ran into a few people we knew, although we all agreed NOT to 'check in' on Facebook at the kitten rescue fundraiser.

However, 99% of the silent auction items were kitten/cat themed so none of us felt obligated to buy tickets... until I saw a $50 gift card for a nice restaurant we like.  So, to help out the poor little kitties I bought $5 worth of silent auction tickets and put them all in the box for the gift card.

Thad didn't want to wait around for the auction results but I lucked out and they started the auction with the $50 gift card.  They called out the winning ticket number but no one claimed the prize.  They must have already left.  So they pulled a 2nd ticket, called out the number, and it was mine!!

All the way home I got to tease them about not wanting to come to the 'crazy cat ladies' fundraiser and now we have a $50 gift card to use.  It was a fun evening.

Busy weekend

Wow, what a full weekend!

It actually started on Fri evening, as I left work early and met up with 2 friends to sing Christmas carols (in costume) at a charity event.  I love Christmas music so it was fun, and I saw lots of friends.

Rick, Magnolia Applebottom, and me in our caroling costumes

Then I met up with Spouse & Steven for a late dinner.

Sat I worked until 3:30, then ran home to change clothes and get Big Ella lined up for the Christmas parade.

While this parade is always popular, this was probably the best-attended I can imagine.  I've never seen so many people crowded into our fair little hamlet.  No doubt the moderately cool temperature and the absence of rain were contributing factors.  I saw lots of friends and even several clients as I inched down the main street.  After the parade, Spouse, Steven & I had a quick dinner and then I headed to perform in the holiday Legends Show as Elton John.  I got home about 11:45pm and after talking to Spouse, we decided to begin making some of the food that night for our party the following day, so we didn't get to bed until shortly after 1am.

Sun morning we met Steven for breakfast, picked up a cake, and then returned home to prepare for our annual Christmas tree trimming party.  Spouse picked the menu this year:

• Greek-style beef sliders with hummus and tzatziki
• Pork sliders with hot mango chutney
• Curried chicken salad sliders with cranberries, apple, and pecans
• Homemade potato salad
• Homemade bowtie pasta salad
• Peppermint bark dip with cookies
• Coconut layer cake

The holiday table, before the 2 salads were added

We made everything ourselves except the cake and it all turned out great.  We had 16 friends who joined us for food and hanging the ornaments on the tree.  Since it was only in the 40s out we were able to have a fire in the fireplace which, along with the Christmas music, added some nice ambience to the evening.  We had a great time and the tree looks gorgeous!

When the last guests left Spouse & I packed up the left-overs, emptied the trash and collapsed on the sofa with the dogs.  They did really well with the house full of people and activity!  Even Walter who usually teases people with his cuteness but doesn't let them touch him, allowed some people to pet him last evening... a Christmas miracle!  The boys were exhausted and both were asleep within minutes of settling in on our laps.  We watched the season finale of 'WestWorld' and went to bed.

Thanks for giving

Yesterday I participated in Giving Tuesday.  What's that?? you might ask.

"Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.  (I saw several posts on Facebook reminding me of this.)  Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving."  This is from the official website.

I always like to give locally so the help remains in my community, so on Giving Tuesday I gave donations to my local SPCA and to a local Veterans Service Dog Initiative.  Our precious Marvin came from the SPCA, which rescues, cares for and places abandoned and surrendered pets.  The Service Dog Initiative procures and trains dogs to be companion/service animals for veterans with PTSD.  I felt that both were worthy recipients of my help.

As I do every year, I also donated shelf-stable food and household items to local organizations.  I don't bring this up because I want recognition or praise, or because I'm rich.  Far from it.  I bring this up because much of this kind of giving/help can be done anonymously, and because I'm not rich.  But even a few dollars given by many people can change a person or animal's life.

Whether on Giving Tuesday or on any other day of the year, I challenge you to seek out ways to give a little so you can help make a big impact.  You'll be glad you do!  And when you do, please share your experience with others in order to inspire a domino effect of giving, making your community and the world better, 1 dollar or 1 can of food at a time.

Relief

Early this week the local news reported that over 300 dogs were removed from a puppy mill in Eden, MD approximately an hour from where we live.  Many were sick, filthy, and neglected.  Obviously the collection of over 300 puppies at 1 time caused an immediate need for food and other supplies.

Such heart-breaking news stirred many dog/animal lovers to action, even as far away as my area.  Many businesses began setting up drop-off locations for those who wished to donate.  Realtors in my area immediately got the word out via social media and email blasts.

 

I immediately went to the store and bought food, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and treats to drop off at a local drop-off location.  I was also able to solicit donations (both food/supplies and cash) from my colleagues here at the office.  I'll be using the cash to purchase more food and supplies within the next few days.

As horrible as it is that people would hoard and neglect these little puppies, I was heartened by the response from my colleagues and the community at large.  Its really making a difference!

Going to the dogs

At this time of year there are lots of opportunities to help those less fortunate.  I shy away from 'national' charity organizations as I'm never sure how much of the money goes to the actual 'cause' and how much pays for CEO salaries, so I try to give and act locally.

I usually reserve some time to shop and wrap Christmas gifts for the needy, donate canned and dry goods to the local food bank, and purchase a few toys for the local Toys for Tots drive.  In addition to those things, I tried something new and different this year.

When inviting friends to our tree trimming party, I shared that we would be accepting donations for the Delware SPCA.  I suggested that my friends take this opportunity to de-clutter their linen closets and donate unneeded towels, blankets, etc.  I also included a link to the SPCA's "wish list".  I came up with this idea when I realized that our local shelter receives NO federal funding and that it provides its rescue, care, and adoption services primarily from local donations.  Our wonderful Marvin came from this very shelter, so I decided to help give back.

My friends really came through!  We collected cash, lots of towels, blankets, brushes, toys, bathroom rugs, bags of food and treats, food/water bowls, and even a plastic kiddie pool.  I was so pleased with the response!  It really warmed my heart.

Next it was my turn.  I went through the laundry room and gathered 24 towels, 2 blankets, 4 bathroom rugs, and 6 bed sheets I could live without.  (Most were from when we used to have a beach house.)  The donations filled the cargo area AND back seat area of my SUV!  When I asked the shelter volunteers for some help unloading they were amazed at the volume of useful items which would serve a much greater purpose at the shelter than in our laundry rooms and linen closets.

This cost me literally nothing but the time to sort, pack and deliver the items that were just taking up space in our home, but I felt so good when I experienced the gratitude of the volunteers for the donations.  So I encourage all of you to consider doing something similar.  The next time you host a birthday party, suggest that party guests bring donations for the local charity of your choice.  A small effort and cost for us can have a huge impact on those less fortunate.

Wrapping for charity

Last week I wrote about our realtor association's shopping for a needy family for Christmas.  Yesterday I met up with a bunch of realtors to wrap all the gifts and clothes purchased on that shopping day. 

A local restaurant that is closed for the season donated the space so we could work on the dining tables, and even played Christmas music for us while we wrapped. 

I worked with my friend Joey again, and we wrapped gifts for 3 hours.  It was a lot of fun and it really makes me feel that I'm doing something good for those less fortunate.

You can check with your local social services to adopt a needy family in your area if you want to experience the same joy!

Holiday fun

This morning I was showered, dressed, and in the Kmart at 7am.  That sounds like the opposite of 'Holiday fun', right?  Especially since I am not a morning person.

But the reason for this oddity is because I was shopping for a needy family for Christmas.  Kmart opens the store to us an hour earlier than usual (hence 7am) and generously takes 10% off the totals.  I arrived on time, armed with a thermos of coffee to help me wake up.

About a month ago my local realtor association had a big Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser to raise money for this specific shopping event.  As in years past, I paired up with my friend Joey and we accepted the need/wish list for a family with 7 kids, ages 1, 2, 4, two aged 5, 6, and 7.  The family's profile indicated the family was homeless; all 7 kids staying with their grandfather (whose probably younger than me considering the children's ages), and there was no mention of the parents.  While their situation is sad, we did feel joy in shopping for them and getting as much as possible from their list. 

The 5, 6, and 7 year olds needed coats, so we got those.  All 7 kids needed shoes or boots so we got those too.  Each child got a complete outfit (pants and shirt or sweater), and all the kids got toys except the 1 year old.  Since the kids likely don't have their own beds, we also picked out fleece throws with matching stuffed animals for them to curl up with at night like this one, possibly on a sofa or recliner.  (The arms and legs open to release the fleece throw.)  Next week I will participate in wrapping these and other gifts for the needy families.

After shopping I headed to work, but left early in order to get ready for dinner and the Rehoboth Beach Christmas parade.  Spouse & I met Steven & Thad and Joe P and his 2 friends from PA for dinner first, then I slipped away to adorn Big Ella with lighted wreaths and bows. 

It rained all day long and we anxiously awaited the official word from the parade sponsor to see if they were going to cancel the parade.  Fortunately they decided to keep the parade on schedule since the radar showed the rain moving away from the area.  However, it didn't really stop raining until minutes before the parade, which caused some participants to cancel and resulted in a much lower than usual attendance.  But we had a great dinner together and still had fun at the parade.  At least it wasn't bitter cold like last year.

Giving

As a child my parents taught me that there was more happiness in giving than in receiving.  That's probably in the Bible somewhere.  Since I grew up in a very modest household it was probably very convenient for my parents to tell me that, as I remember wanting a lot but not getting a lot because we 'couldn't afford it'. 

But as I matured I definitely understood that what you 'get' from giving to others is happiness and joy.  When you give to others (your time, your money, yourself) you make a difference in someone's life and that makes the recipient happy AND it makes you happy.  Its a win-win situation!

Yesterday Spouse & I did some charity shopping.  My company supplied its employees with a 'wish list' from Ronald McDonald House of DE so we used that to inform our purchases and then dropped them off at my office.  Next we went to the grocery store and purchased shelf-stable foods (canned and dry goods) and dropped those off at a local food bank drop-off location.  It was actually quite enjoyable to do this together, and knowing that these things will have a real impact on people gave us genuine happiness and joy.

Over the years I have volunteered for and raised money for AIDS research and treatment, battered women's shelter, cancer and stroke research, Habitat for Humanity, and local food banks.  I say this not to 'toot my own horn', but rather to show examples of how anyone can make a difference in other peoples' lives and receive a feeling of happiness at the same time. 

Literally anyone can participate in 1 or more ways:

• Give of yourself - volunteer in person at a soup kitchen, food bank pantry, Habitat for Humanity build site, hospice, SPCA, or meal delivery service
• Encourage others - host a fundraiser and invite your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to donate and/or volunteer, or get them to pledge for you to run a 5K race
• Support local drives - pick up non-perishable food items, household items, or toys and drop them off at Thanksgiving or Christmas drop-off point
• Give money - send checks to worthy charities 

When giving financial donations be sure to research how much of your dollars actually goes to the cause and how much goes to executive salaries and administrative costs.  Check this site to know which charities are highly-rated and have lower paid CEOs and which charities have highly-paid CEOs but are low rate charities.  Sadly there are some charities and scams you'll probably want to avoid.  Local giving can be often be more effective.

Another benefit of in-person volunteering is that you will likely meet other like-minded people.  This has certainly been the case for me.  I've met lots of sincere and fun friends while volunteering.

I encourage everyone to commit to giving, not just at the holidays, but all year 'round.  You'll be amazed at how good it feels to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Friends

As a realtor I am invited to lots of local fundraisers and charitable events.  I could be out at one of these nearly every night of the week if I wanted, but I try to pick just a few to attend.  Recently I attended a fundraiser sponsored by our local realtor association, the proceeds of which will be used to provide toys, clothing, and home goods for needy families in our area this Christmas.  This event provides the funds for the shopping event I participated in 2 years ago.

Each year this fundraiser has a different theme, and this year's theme was Mardi Gras.

I took this selfie of me (wearing Mardi Gras beads) and my friend Joey (wearing a Mardi Gras mask).  I've been friends with Joey for nearly 20 years.  We met doing volunteer work.

Bras for a Cause

Last evening my friend Joe P went with me to the Bras for a Cause, a charity event for the DE Breast Cancer Coalition.

Bra sponsors come up with a concept or theme for their bra, decorate the bra and associated costume, and then get a male to model the bra at the event, where models get tips from attendees and then the bras are auctioned off.  Click here to read about my real estate team's participation in 2012.

Our team participated again this year, and our theme was A Midsummer Night's Dreamboat.  Here is my colleague and our model Garrett.  This photo doesn't do his bra/costume justice.  Our colleague Erin used artificial ivy vines, peacock feathers, and rhinestones to cover the bra.  She ordered a tutu in peacock colors, and created a wreath for his head.  She even used liquid eyeliner to draw scrolls near his eyes and pasted rhinestones onto the scrolls.  She really did a great job.

Garrett did a great job working the crowd for tips, which wasn't easy for him since he is naturally introverted.  Maybe wearing the bra/costume made it easier because he could pretend to be someone else.

Other bra models were also working the crowd for tips, including this 'devil' of a man.  Check out that bicep!

He was very friendly and chatted with me and Joe P for awhile.  He offered to pose with us for a photo.  How could we say no?

It was a really fun event which raises money in a fun way for a worthy cause.

Its a wrap

This morning I joined many of the folks from the realtor association to wrap the Christmas gifts for needy families that were purchased last week.

I must say that it was very organized.  We were given bags with the gifts in them and a chart showing the names, ages, and genders of the gift recipients.  With as many people and gifts as there were, it could have easily gone very wrong very quickly, but not with this bunch.

I worked in a team with Gail, Monica, and Joe and we did 'assembly line' wrapping.  Monica and Joe removed price tags and handed the gifts to Gail while I used the chart to write the names on the adhesive labels.  Gail cut the wrapping paper to fit the gift, then Joe, Monica and I wrapped them.  We started with gifts for 3 kids but finished so quickly we asked for another family that had 4 kids.  Ironically, we happened to get the same family that Joe and I had picked gifts for last week!  It took us just a little over an hour to get all the gifts wrapped for all 7 kids.

Several times in the past I have picked up extra non-perishable foods and dropped them off at food drive centers, or picked up toys for the Toys for Tots drive, but for some reason those weren't as fun as shopping for actual people with names and then wrapping for them too.  I guess its because the profile charts told us about the family members (names, ages, genders, sizes, and interests) so I felt like I was helping real people, not abstract people.

Of course every little bit one can do or donate helps, so if you are able, please consider dropping off some non-perishable food or unwrapped toys at a local site near you, and give locally.

Shopping

This morning I went Christmas shopping for needy family at 7am!!

Our local realtors association had a benefit dinner to raise funds for needy families in the county.  The funds were divided up and paired with profile sheets for needy family members so we'd know what age, height, weight, and sex each child is when we were shopping.  The local KMart opened at 7am for us so we could shop for our families before going to work.

My friend Joey & I got a family with 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls, ages 6, 10, 13, and 15 and a budget of $435.  Between shopping the sales plus the extra 10% off non-sale items, Joe & I made a huge impact for our family!

Each of the 4 kids got:

• a winter coat
• a pair of shoes or boots
• a set of sheets
• a fleece throw/blanket

Then based on their sex, age, and 'wish list' we also got:

• Barbie dolls
• football and basketball
• skateboard
• jewelry
• perfume
• cosmetics
• board games
• remote controlled car
• clothing

We tried really hard to get things we really thought they would like and be able to use while maximizing our budget.  It took us nearly 2 hours, but the satisfaction we received from this event was well worth the time spent.

Next week I will try and join the volunteers who will be wrapping all the gifts too.

Bras for a Cause

Last evening my real estate team attended a fundraiser for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition called Bras for a Cause.  Sponsors pay a fee to enter a bra into the contest, then decorate the bra with a theme, then get a male to model the bra at the event.

My team's bra was entitled "Brick House", and it was modeled by my colleague Garrett.

The models then 'work' the audience to get them to stuff tips into their bras.  Then the bras are auctioned.  Garrett was very nervous when the event was about to begin so I suggested he have a drink or 4.  They helped reduce his nervousness and got him to really work the crowd.  He won a trophy for collecting the most money in tips!  

It was a really fun evening and benefited a great cause.