The hunting season for many can be bitter sweet. There are days when one tries so hard and it just doesn't pay off. Then there are the days where things just seem to fall in your lap. Looking over this past hunting season, I can truly recognize the feeling of bitter sweet.
After our hunting season is over, we love to celebrate! And of course, being the girly girls we are, what a better way to do it then throwing a party! This year's party took place on December 3rd at the Annex building in Kewaskum. Kelly has told us several times that the place had never looked so good. Donned with chandeliers (graciously donated for the night by Carrie Schaub from Serendipity), this glorious facility was detailed with shabby chic-ness throughout! Carefully placed lighting, shoes on every table, and even the bathrooms looked amazing! After months of planning, organizing, and busying ourselves, the night was set to begin.
We were happy to receive positive feedback throughout the night but one of the highlights was food and drink. Kathy and friends had a perfect place setting with tables of cuisine. Several courses were placed at various points of the evening. Sushi, salmon, and dips to name a few. Julie Wondra's Tastefully Simple delights completed the display. Chris Jung from The Candy Tree satisfied our taste buds with mounds of chocolate covered strawberries. Mike and Jeff from Jeff Spirits on Main made sure we would not go thirsty with great selections of wine and beer. I guess we should have told the women to come hungry!
Having known my husband for 28 years, I sure knew that a great part of this "hunting gathering" must center around stories told. As I sit back to reflect on the beauty of that evening, I see the circle groups that were formed, either new or old, creating the bonds that are cherished forever. Kathy put together a wonderful video of our journey to this place and it was joyous to imagine the care and time that went into making such a masterpiece. Jillian Clark, the Chix 4 A Cause founder, reminded us of all the wonderful Gifts Of Love, totalling over 10s of thousands of dollars, given to persons afflicted by cancer. Pat Jossart was there to partake in this evening. Her first year here was 2009, the year she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. A survivor today, she thanked Jillian for last year's gifts of love. Our hope for this year includes an 11 y.o girl who has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Her caringbridge website story of "thank goodness for pillow fights" brought out the beauty of our own emotionality. There are many more gifts of love to be given and thus our presence that night.
Amongst the connection and togetherness, there was some bragging to be done. Placed perfectly in the center of our canvas was the beautiful Buechel stage. It was the focal point for all to highlight their pursuits for the ideal shoe and accessory for the evening. Mary Wagner, author of Running With Stilettos and Heck on Heels dazzled us with her recollection of the very first time, in her 40s, of wearing her sexy heels to work, a naughty but nice feeling for sure. Her ensemble consisting of precious family keepsakesinlcuding her necklace and fur coat. Stacey Chapman reminded us not everyone can be lucky with the perfect size 6. Her size 11.5 foot makes it sometimes impossible to find that ultimate kill but that didn't let that stop her from success...sorry little girl! Kate Anderson displayed a gift from family that Stacey Howell from Stacey Jay designs made specially for her, a sweet reminder of the relationship she has with her soul mate. And Stacey had a story of her own, exposing the artistry she embodies. Ali Kertscher helped remind all that even the help of strangers can benefit the hunt...and get some of the "me too" Christmas shopping done at the same time- mastery! And last but certainly not least in any one's mind was Pat Poch's bucket list story of Harleys and accessories. She was all decked from head to toe (and who knows what she had on under it all!) in her Harley gear. A truly joyful and giving person she is!
Part of the enjoyment of our evening was to give awards to those very best hunting endeavors. Best Accessory went to Sherry Reiter, clutched to an adorable furry purse. She told of her custody battle with a dear friend who was shooting for the same kill! Luckily, Julie Bernarde will be sharing in the decision of 2 weeks on with the said purse, 2 weeks without. Sarah Guse walked confidently in Kim Kardashian shoes from shoedazzle.com. Her story of getting a hunting guide is worth the quick time it takes to set up an account, answer some questions, and get emails weekly about shoe suggestions! Sounds like a shoe hunters dream and well deserved best deal winner! Tammy Schladweiler, winner of best story, took advantage of the variety of shoes exhibited as table settings that evening. She strutted to the stage with mismatched shoes she used to dress up her already beautiful work of art spirit. (And she even surprised me by stealing some to wear to a Christmas gathering a few days later!) And though Tanya Fransen questioned getting on stage to reveal her story, she won best shoe with her ostrich white cowboy boots that she purchased on a recent vacation. By the sounds of it, we don't believe she ever took them off once she purchased them...and it's no wonder, she looked fabulous!
In order to help raise money for Chix, we gather donations and raffles from our local community businesses. At a time when the economy continues to be volatile, these local people seem more generous than ever! I couldn't believe that during our set up for the evening, we kept having to add table after table to account for the 40 raffle baskets and 1 whole table full of Auction items. Please take some time to review this list and say a prayer of thanks to God for creating such a idyllic and heavenly community. A huge return of thanks can be given by continuing to utilize their services throughout years to come!
Stacey Howell of Stacey Jay Designs, Kimber Wiedmeyer of Picasso
Carrie Schaub of Serendipity, Tanya Fransen of Gallery One
Katy of Gallery Two, Personal Touch Travel
Jeanne of Savoring Thyme, Krueger Painting
Tiffany Larson of hometrainingllc.com, Sheila Kruepke of Visual Graphics
Chris Jung of the Candy Tree, Piggly Wiggly of Kewaskum
Laura Ralph of Heritage Lighting, The Clothes Clinic
Somedays, Carpe Diem Hair Studio
Healing Elements Day Spa, Julie Bernarde's Unique Hats
Dave and Joyve Gonring of the West Bend Elevator, Sherry Reiter's Jewels
Candice Heberer Apron and Card Designs, Dermaspa
Honekor Golf Course, Julie Wondra of Tastefully Simple
A&W Recycling, Mikelle of E-Collectique of Saukville
Sunburst Ski Hill, Jeff Spirit's on Main
April Starr of Tan N Paradise, Tami Knoll of Hair Studio of West Bend
The Coffee Corner of Kewaskum, Jen Dillion of Stella and Dot
Sue Buechel Painting, Allen and Barb Heberer Wood Carvings
and Lisa Hays Handmade Knit Clothing
Thank you also to some generous donor friends who helped with putting together baskets or helped with fundraising for the night's success: Kathy Ramstahl, Pat Poch, Michelle Lemler, Jeanne Karls, Sue Johnson, Ronda Lichtensteiger, and Vicki Plachinski. A special thanks to all those who brought purses and jewels to donate. Gail Louiser, the pictures captured the events of the evening perfectly! And to Toree Ralph, for spending some precious time in creating his "one of a kind" duck-tape purse!
These last 4 years have been amazing. The friendships I have made, the creativity I have seen, the fun I have had. Kathy, you are a true detail oriented lady full of energy and ideas. Kelly, your passion for family and community is admirable and was nice to have reflected in the night's events. Don's rescue drive to the Pig to stock our bar was unimaginable! Tanya, your years of friendship supreme. Your timeless style with gifts of the clutches and belts over the years have been appreciated. Shelly, I am grateful for your time and for your continued sisterly support.
To Jillian and the Organization of Chix 4 A Cause. The donation of $3300 brought in that evening, along with an additional $1000 in silent donation brings our four year total to $9800 in gifts of love for those traveling through their journey with cancer. May each dollar be presented with the love and delicacy those individuals deserve. Amen.
Namaste My Good People, Namaste!
Paula
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