On my birthday seven weeks ago, I met up for coffee with my dear friend Anna. We had been forever talking about getting together since I moved to Virginia, though as you know, life sadly got in the way.
I'm ashamed to admit that despite chatting with her on Facebook, on our blogs, via texting and email, I hadn't seen Anna since her son's funeral nine months ago. However, I have often thought of ways that I could help her. To do something more than just sending her repeated love notes letting her know I'm thinking of her.
Listening to Anna talk that beautiful June morning put so many things into perspective. I re-lived her hell as she told the story again of that fateful night last September. I learned how families deal with grief. I laughed and cried with her, and followed her lead in the flow of the conversation, often kicking myself as I dared complain about the idiosyncrasies and moodiness of my kids.
It didn't take long to realize what I needed to do. In mere minutes of discussing my idea, we picked a date and planned for Anna to host a Stella & Dot trunk show ... where 100% of my commissions would go towards her son Jack's favorite charity, Samaritan's Purse.
Over the last month we worked closely together to ensure a profitable event. She sent out emails and invitations for the show at her house, as well as invitations on her blog and her Facebook page for an online trunk show.
Last Thursday, more than 40 beautiful ladies came to Anna's house to nibble, chat, and shop. And shop. And shop. And shop. In less than two hours I had never seen so many women push their way around a dining room table to try on the shiny jewelry or thrust order forms in my face. Nor had I ever felt such a warmth and gratitude from a group of women, who came to the trunk show to surround their dear friend with laughter, love, and their pocketbooks. And on a personal level, I've never had the opportunity to experience the pure joy of knowing true selflessness.
As of right now, Samaritans Purse will be receiving a donation of $1476.84. But it could be more! Anna's trunk show is open for another 2 weeks. So go ahead and add a little sparkle to your wrist. Your neck. Your ear. Your life.
And join me in Paying It Forward. Where doing what's right, feels so ... right.
2 comments:
Chills, Jill, just chills. I so wish I could have been there with you guys! But I will be adding to that total - placing my order online this week. Love you both! xoxo
You are a great lady Jill. And the party was another reason to be grateful we all live in VA.
See you in a couple of days!
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