It may be primal in all of us to leave some type of legacy. Mine is to give to others in creative ways- a "socialite philanthropist" I am told! A former Microsoft employee Scott Berkun once wrote "As soon as someone starts talking about changing the world or radically reinventing something odds are good he’s talking from his ego, not his heart." While I understand this whole "shoe and accessory hunt" may seem a bit selfish, the beauty of what surrounds it is the gift we give and leave to others. There is a way to simultaneously make major differences in our world—both to help other people and feel good about our choices—all the while positively improving lives. We can do things both large and small, for others and ourselves, every day if we choose to. I hope many of you know, I have a heart and mind that thrives on giving. I am frequently wondering "How can I help? Can I make this better?" So the shoe hunt is so much more than the hunt. When the idea first surfaced years ago, my brain (and those around me) went right to wondering how we could turn this into something for the greater good.
The beauty of the Shoe Hunt has been the many involved who give creatively in different ways. This is a night FILLED with givers. Some are dedicated hunters and come to the party to give their donation and show off their "kill". Some silently donate to chix4acause.org and prefer not to be present. Others donate by adding a raffle basket for the party. This year we decided to recognize that in the best way we knew how. We created the "Dove Tag". This tag encourages one to create a donation basket to be raffled off at the shoe hunt party, and for that donation, the donator gets in free of charge the night of December 4th. With this year's party having over 15 baskets, we have many who are donating as doves! It is the ultimate "pay it forward" gift.
All of the baskets are ready for this Wednesday's party. Here are just a few:
1. Hanging basket inspire summer!- A beautiful pontseitta to take you through Christmas, a herb starter kit for deep dead of winter, some spring time bulbs, and a gift card for your summer hanging basket. And don’t worry about watering- 2 plant watering bulbs are included!
2. Silent Night, Holy Night!- a quiet night around the table for 4 including wine glasses, a Heberer homemade wine holder, a candle centerpiece, Peirano Estate Vineyards 2010 “Six Clones” Merlot, and Local Singer/Songwriter Dave Gerardt’s latest album “Leaving the Familiar Behind”
3. Duck Dynasty Cooking- Cook like the Robertson family does! A nifty little grill with all the fix in’s including charcoal, cups, playing cards, Si's iced tea, food, and more food! There is even an iTunes gift card for you to buy anyone of the books this family has published this year!
4. Badger to go pack- for your next game at home or on the road! A Badger cooler, plates, napkins, cups, a Pear & Simple Core cutting board, Core ladle spoon, Wollersheim Winery Port wine, an ant-themed picnic party dip bowl & spreader and for the morning, a hangover buster shower burst
5. Wine Basket- To help improve your wine knowledge, this book titled Perfect Pairings contains over 100 different delicious recipes with wine recommendations. You will enjoy the Core cutting board and might as well see how the pairings of the olives, chips, and bruschetta goes with this bottled wine!
6. Cozy winter dream- Stephanie Luepnitz created these wool gloves and they are paired with the perfect deep purple knitted scarf. Throw this on after you heat up your tea in a ceramic mug nestled in a reusable small storage unit along side a white pontsettia.
7. Pat&Pat- They have kindly donated again! This year’s theme is wine- some glasses and those beautiful homemade clothes!
We also have great baskets from Mattek's Dance studio, the dermgirls.com, Mocha Nails, Finish Line Training, and KerCar Catering.
I am so grateful for those who have become our doves for this year's party. I am also thankful for the hundreds I know who conduct simple everyday actions that make a difference in the lives of others.
It is said that "gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world." (John Milton).
Our little shoe hunt party is a good thing, simply said. I hope you are looking forward to this experience, the experience of giving in whatever way you choose.
Be Well!
Paula
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