OK, so we are a bit more high tech. Your tags came (as evites) by email or postings by FB or even just a phone call...but it was going to be the hunting trip that would make this year feel so right! The DNR Shoe & Accessory Hunt crew ventured out as adventurous guides this year.
We had a nice group meet up at Imagine Coffee House at 9 am. Rick & Lisa brightened our eyes with coffee and tea (I love the Goddess Tea!) while we chatted away. The house was filled with excitement and anticipation of what this day would bring. There was a group of distinguished men next to our gathering table who seemed eager to join in on our giggle-filled conversations. Our bellies were filled with spinach quiches sided with carrots and fruit. As our breakfast was coming to an end, the white Hummer limousine pulled up to the door awaiting our entry.
We gathered around the Christmas tree inside the coffee house to snap a quick pic with our "backtags" in place. Sheila and Sherry of Visual Graphics of West Bend had gifted us with these. Written across our backs would now reflect what our intention was for the day- to prove that "Real Chix Hunt".
With calm rain falling from above, we climbed into the limo and took our places. The 2007 Shoe song themed CD came in handy to set the mood. (unfortunately so did a never ending video of Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake, and Gloria Estefan on the mini TV). We were off to our first stop with mimosas in one hand and chocolate covered strawberries in the other. Once in route, Guide Kelly handed out furry, leopard print hunting packs to the group. Since we would be madly hunting this entire day, it was packed with "deer tracks" (granola) and "deer droppings" (dark chocolate covered nuts) made by the Candytree. The hunting guides had done their scouting so these also contained coupons for the stores we would be coming upon. Lastly, the rules. Each hunter was to pick another to hunt with. Each was given a list of 10 fun hunting challenges for the day. The best hunters would win a prize.
Our first hunting spot seemed like private land. We arrived at E collectique with gracious hunting expert (beyond expert) Mikelle welcoming us with a surprise. She had made this day "Hunt 1 kill, get another kill 25% off" and that 25% would go to our fundraiser. As a guide, it is such a blessing to see when a hunter comes upon new land that they passionately love. This was the place. It was so neat hunting in a pack like that. Everyone with different goals, wisely holding you off if (as one hunter BFF so kindly told me) "that kill would do nothing for you!" And boy, was there the laughter. It was as if we were nestled around a campfire already reciting our stories of the hunt that day but in real time. Hands down, Amy had the most amazing kill to be shown off later that night. We ALL left completing a very successful hunt.
Down to DSW. It gave us time in the limo to mingle. Bruce, our wonderful chauffeur, had generously donated his time to get us around safely. His big smile and infectious laugh inspired. He made turns that shocked us, hovered buildings too closely, and even told stories to make crowds think we were movie stars in for the weekend Broadway show. He made sure we never touched a door handle (and gently yelled if we tried). If we would have let him, he would have gladly carried our bags while we shopped.
Our last stop came too quickly. We were off to Mayfair Mall almost on a serious mission as we were at t minus 1:15 to go before the carriage turned back into a pumpkin. And though there was little time, this is where the hunters showed off their skills. Of the many missions we set our for our hunting crew, 2 groups accomplished 5 of the tasks. I will never forget Amy dressed exactly the same as the mannequin. The Best part- she already had the vest the mannequin had donned in Ann Taylor. Or how about Joy and Vickie's bearded man. And the advice from a stranger "May the force be with you". We also loved the pic of Amy and a 21 y.o. outside the Forever 21 store. In the end, Joy and Vickie beat out Amy and Karen as the 1st ever winners of the Hunting Challenge. Now they have a gift certificate to spend at the mall again someday.
Hunting made us tired...or maybe it was the mimosas? As we headed back to West Bend, watching Celine one more time ;-), we made it back to our families to dress out our kills and head out to Pillars for cheering on the Badgers.
Though the gathering certainly was not what had been done in the past, we had not intended it to be what it had been. We had invited the boys. We were having it at a public venue. We still had intentions of good food and great stories. But it was a last minute Championship Badger game (found out on Tuesday before the party) that changed the workings of the night. I took it as God's way of saying "Be Merry and Give, don't fret the small stuff". Amongst the loud chants and jumping up and down, we were able to let the patrons of Pillars know why we were there. We exchanged finger apps for huge sub sandwiches. And rather than tons of raffle baskets we slowed it down with two 50/50 raffles.
I will take a moment to say the raffle baskets were much appreciated. I know those in attendance could agree the donation of kindheartedness that goes behind that aspect of the evening is so thoughtful. Though all of the baskets were unique in character and rich in design and product, one stood out to me this year. Though we all may be able to name a person that embroiders, when there is a story that fits in to the cause, it makes these donated embroidered cloths all the more meaningful. Pat Jossart was diagnosed with breast cancer over 2 years ago. During her struggles with treatment, she joined our gathering in 2009 and received a gift of love from Chix 4 A Cause that evening. Last year, she joined us again at the shoe hunt party and proudly won "Best Accessory" with her sassy wig. This year, fully recovered, she wanted to give back. She stitched beautiful kitchen towels with delicate coffee style designs while her best friend Pat Poch helped complete the basket with other accessories. What a blessing.
We are deeply touched by the continued generosity of our friends and family. Chix 4 A Cause is a wonderful local organization who deliver the small touches while those with cancer go through the big deals. Those gifts of love can make all the difference. I hope those in attendance walked away satisfied, grateful, and in peace. For those that ventured out hunting during the day time, THANK YOU. The joy I felt throughout the day filled my heart beyond it's borders. For the guys that joined us in the evening, THANK YOU. Traditionally, this has been girls night. We wanted to try something different and we thank all those for respecting that decision. And lastly, to the hunting crew that has been around for 5 years running and for many newbies this year, THANK YOU. We can't wait for next year!
During the day, we closely monitoring our hunting team. Each year, we pick winners for the following categories- Best Shoes, Best Accessory, Best Story, and Best Deal. Here are our winners:
Best Shoes- Tammy Schladweiler found a dazzling pair of black pumps while we were at DSW. What we loved about her hunting experience was that she was out for the kill...especially when a fellow hunter was eyeing up the target. I think her quote may have been "While I have to get 'em if you were gonna get 'em!"
Best Accessory- Amy Leitheiser casually thumbed through the deal rack at E collectique. She picked up the most colorful shirt. The knitted similarly-colorful sleeves were what gave this hunting kill the need for best accessory. Bonus- she looked great in it! And I can easily say, I cannot imagine there would be another shirt like this around.
Best Story- You may have had to be there for this one but we've gotta give props to Jillian Clark. I won't go into full detail of how she had us rolling on this hunt with 1. her beaver (pelt) that she would love to sell but is currently in storage and 2. next's years "magic shoe" that is sure to be a hot auction item!
Best Deal- My Mother in Law, Pat. No, she didn't even shop with us but did meet us out for breakfast and later at the party. How does she get best deal then? Because she IS simply the best deal. She has been such a gracious supporter of Chix. She is a visionary woman with a heart of gold. She rocks, hands down.
New awards this year-
Best Bar- Pillars. I mean, really, this place is awesome to hang out it and watch any game in. It's too bad we couldn't have played the Sex in the City movie that night like we planned! Imagine seeing the parts in that movie on that huge-ola big screen.
Best Bartender- Pat Kent, my high school teacher, gracious host and generous man who allowed our gathering AND gave all of the money back for the 50/50. Nice, nice! Kuddos to you!
