One of the most exciting moments of the Shoe & Accessory Hunt Gathering party is when we announce the raffle basket winners. This year we had 17 baskets filled to their brims with items like Finish Line Training of Kewaskum sessions, L’Bri facial cleanser, and one of my new FAVORITES!, the dermgirls.com glytone antioxidant anti-aging serum. Mocha Nails, massage, and tanning sessions were given away. ..Many wine baskets…and one of my precious memories of the evening was when Rhonda with an “h” Lichtensteiger, owner of Moosenuckles came out wondering if what I wrote on “her” donation basket card- a Kindle, blanket, and wine- was really what she had told me she was donating for a basket..only for her to find out she would be coming face to face with Ronda without an “h” Lichtensteiger, dear friend and her very distant relative, that evening who had kindly donated said basket. Such a small world. Oh, and by the way, Rhonda with an “h”, owner, donated a simply fantastic basket as well filled with shirts, wine, cozies, treats, candles, and a wine aerator! As if it weren’t enough that she donated her business for the night, her time (as well as her great family and friends’ time!), and her authentic charm and grace.
What I love about raffles baskets is it’s similarity to window shopping. There is lots of peeking, wondering “if I did…what would I do…”, and oooohhhhs and aaaahhhhs. Everyone in attendance recognizes and automatically becomes grateful for the generosity of others to such a wonderful cause. Some gamble on buying a few raffles and sporadically place them singly in a bag while others almost buy-out the raffle tickets putting each and every one in the most desirable item. Though it is extremely difficult to get the attention of busy women who want nothing more than to chat with one another about life’s goings on, I raise my voice loud enough (and am still recovering from the crackling irritation caused by that piercing pitch) to announce the winners. For brief moments, there is only the sound of the name called as everyone hopes it is theirs. Some women seem to get lucky with more than one. And the greatest test of faith is when we don't called. What I love about this night is that we are all able to say THANK YOU LORD!
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. “
2 Corinthians 9:7
The room was filled with cheerful givers that Wednesday December 4th, 2013. The women who gathered and others who donated on-line helped raise $3000 for chix4acause.org. A special thanks to Joy Heinan who I know was at least one of our “pheasant tag” donators who could not attend but was generous in donating.
So many stories were shared enthusiastically in front of all or quietly at the quaint tables. Tammy hunted while a kidney stone was carving away at her ureter. Sarah admitted her shoe-a-holic tendencies of which ALL of us where willing to support rather than save her from…and to top it off…she informed all of a slick delivery service that drops her fix right at her doorstep, and not once but TWICE a month. She certainly was “high” on her heels this evening. Ms. breath-taking Ali was decked out in a fur and sparkle as she confessed she would only do for such a great cause. Size 9, thank you very much! Divine! Our co-founder Kathy brought back out a kill that was downed during year 1 of the hunting season! I recall her hanging on to the Welcome Chix sign in those furry boots during the snowstorm. I seemed to be the one who had the desirable accessory…my new rooster bedazzled purse from E-collectique was nearly nabbed on numerous occasions Kelly’s story was top secret and will remain that way as we have learned that there are others cities besides Vegas where what happens has to stay. And then was the story of the night where a wise woman questioned our desires to dress differently. Why?
When truly,… we… are… one.
Pause.
Namaste.
I cannot say enough or thank enough to truly reflect my deep gratitude for these women. They give of themselves in many ways. Time seems to be the most precious gift one can give. I thank them for theirs.
I thought everything was perfect that night. Moosenuckles and it’s ambience. The food and naughty cookies. New friends for life like the dermgirls.com. Lastly, the giving to provide even more gifts of love to others.
Until next hunting season my friends. Be well this holiday season!
Love,
Paula
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