A group of us from Sawtooth threw the first ever Cinco de Mayo party at The Dwelling Place. We made a traditional Mexican feast! There was dancing, laughter and even a piñata to whack at. But the highlight of the evening was when two of the ladies sang solo pieces bringing everyone to tears. Muchas gracias las damas bonitas.
This may not be news but we had to share this “discovery”: our 2 favorite charities, The Dwelling Place of NY and Sisters Academy of Asbury Park have “wishlists” on Amazon. Your favorite charity may have one as well, and we have to say it’s a really nice way to donate something useful and tangible to those in need. My favorite part of it is this – I just learned that The Dwelling Place Amazon WishList was a Sawtooth invention.
The latest exercise craze has made its way to The Dwelling Place. Marsha, a wonderful Zumba instructor, has been donating her time on Monday nights and showing the ladies how to shake it like Shakira. It’s a great way to let off some steam. Kristi and I had the chance to join in on the fun. And what fun it was!
Last week I attended a great workshop run by Hans E. Hageman and Associates, a consulting firm that coaches individuals and nonprofits. When I heard the title of the workshop, “Marketing & Fundraising for Individuals and Small Non-profits” I thought of the Dwelling Place of NY. We just designed and launched the new Dwelling Place of NY website and we’re always looking for ways to learn more to help even more.
At the workshop, I heard a great metaphor about social media that really rang true. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do:
Twitter is like a cocktail party.
Facebook is like a friend’s BBQ.
Your blog is like your home.
Thursday night Sawtooth was lucky enough to participate in the 8th annual Dwelling Place Gala.
The Dwelling Place is a privately run shelter that helps women transition from homelessness to independent lives. This is a special place. And once again, I am reminded that so is Sawtooth. Every person from Sawtooth, whether they were on the gala committee or not, contributed to the success of the evening. This is my big thank you to all. I am fortunate to work with such amazing people.
Check out more pictures of the Gala here.
September is the month to win big. And right now is the time to buy tickets for your chance.
Every year the Dwelling Place, a transitional shelter for homeless women in NYC, holds a “calendar raffle” charity event. This event is very important for the Dwelling Place. It helps raise money towards funding the facility, including food and everyday necessities for the 15 women it houses.
Tickets start at $10 for one or $25 for three. One winner will be announced every day in September with prizes ranging from $50 to $450. Purchase your tickets now and help support this amazing place.
If you are interested, please leave a a reply in the comment box and we’ll be happy to send you a form. Thanks!
As avid Stranger Than Fiction blog readers may know, The Dwelling Place is a transitional shelter for women in New York City that we do a lot of work with. We thought a place as special as The Dwelling Place should look as beautiful on the outside as the spirit of the women on the inside. So a few of us here, Kristi, Sue, Dawn and myself, headed to the city to do a little afternoon Spring gardening. Luckily, we were lead by Sue, the only one among us with any kind of a green thumb. With our gardening gloves on, trowels in hand and Sue in charge, we planted everything from Coleus and Impatiens to Petunias and Lavender.
We hope the flowers grow and bloom in the next few months and bring smiles to the faces of Sister Margaret, Sister Nancy and all the wonderful women of the Dwelling Place.
We’re so proud to announce that Kristi Bridges, our Creative Director extraordinaire, has been named to the Executive Board of the Dwelling Place of New York. The Dwelling Place is a 15-bed residence and transitional program for homeless women located in midtown Manhattan.
Kristi’s journey to the Dwelling Place started last February. When her darling dad, Victor Bridges, passed away quite suddenly, Kristi vowed to stay close to one of his closest friends, Alfred. The best way to spend time with Alfred was doing what he loved most: volunteering. He invited Kristi to join the committee to plan the Dwelling Place’s annual fundraising gala.
In true Kristi style, she didn’t just join the committee. She inspired her daughter, her daughter’s friends and most of the agency to join the cause.
Director Sister Nancy was so thankful and appreciative that Kristi was getting so much done for the Dwelling Place so fast. And that Kristi had a way of increasing the volunteer base exponentially. After the successful gala, Sister Nancy invited Kristi to join the Board.
Kristi accepted and now we’re also proud to say that the Dwelling Place is one of our pro bono clients. We’re excited to see what we can do to help such a powerful cause.
I sat down with Kristi to ask her a few questions about the Dwelling Place.
What struck you the first time you went to the Dwelling Place?
It had a very warm, homey feeling.
What’s different about the Dwelling Place?
The goal is really to help the women turn their lives around. And they know they can stay for as long as they need to. Every woman, no matter what her situation, is treated with respect and dignity.
How can Sawtooth help the Dwelling Place?
We’re helping them put together a kit to help get the word out. And we can help them just like anyone can, by donating our time, or food, or money.
In addition to your dad’s friend, what inspired you to become so involved with the Dwelling Place?
I love what they are about. I love that they are completely privately funded, so it’s all about the women, not the red tape. And I love the truly selfless people that run it.
How do you think we can help more young people become volunteers?
By making sure they understand what a gift life is. And that part of that gift is giving it to others.
Anything to add?
I love Sister Nancy. And Sister Margaret. And Sister Theresa. They inspire me.
