Gift baskets are featured in the silent auction at the WHC Boutique. Photo Contributed
Generous Giving is the goal of the members of the WHC Sisterhood as they set the wheels in motion for their 26th Annual Holiday Boutique — and it is also the philosophy of a number of philanthropic vendors who will be selling their wares and donating their proceeds to causes dear to their hearts.
The Holiday Boutique will be held at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center, located at the intersection of Falls Road and Tuckerman Lane in Potomac from Sunday, Nov. 11 through Tuesday, Nov. 13. The hours on Sunday are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. The Sisterhood donates the proceeds from their yearly boutique to a significant number of charities; just a few of the many charities they support are MADD, Starlight Children’s foundation, JSSA, Jewish Council on Aging, Race for Hope (Brain Tumor Research), Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders, and Promise for Prom.
The philanthropy begins with the WHC Sisterhood — and continues with vendors who have chosen to donate their profits and time to a specific charity. Rovi Faber will be selling imported eco-friendly accessories, handbags and other gift items crafted from pull tabs. She is selling these to raise funds for “Pull Tabs for Charity (PTFC) — a non-profit established in September 2008 in memory of her daughter, Jody. Jody was committed to collecting pull tabs to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. She lost her battle with breast cancer, but her legacy is carried on by her family and friends through PTFC.
“One hundred per cent of our proceeds are donated to NIH Charities which include the Children’s Inn, Special Love for Children With Cancer (Camp Fantastic) and Friends of the Clinical Center (FOCC). We are proud that the U.S. military, many schools, communities and other organizations are sharing in collecting tabs for us. It is critically important to raise children’s awareness about the value of giving. Collecting the tabs for PTFC makes everyone feel that they can contribute, regardless of age or economic status,” Faber said.
“Crafters for a Cure” donate their profits for gynecological cancer research in memory of a member who died from ovarian cancer and in honor of a member who is a survivor. The six local artisans, Carole Schulman, Danielle Smotkin, Emilee Watzman, Terri Sorota, Melanie Bodie and Janice Alperin create distinctive belt buckles, necklaces, earrings, and brooches, crocheted necklaces, bracelets, and scarves to sell. “We will also feature awareness pins, cancer awareness bracelets and the teal ribbon of hope,” said Watzman. “Raising money for gynecological cancer is extremely important because so many women are diagnosed each year with cervical, ovarian, uterine or other forms of gynecological cancer. Honey Ogens of Honey Bee Bakery is giving a package of her delicious home-made cookies to shoppers who donate $5 to our cause.”
“Rockets into Roses” is another vendor with a purpose. Metal sculptor Yaron Bob creates intricate petals and leaves of roses, candlesticks and menorahs from Kassam rockets — actual rockets that were fired into southern Israel. Bob, who lives on the Gaza border said, “I take the Kassam rocket, the instrument of death and I change it. I transfer it into something of beauty. It is a symbol of love, growth and great hope for a peaceful future.” His roses have been presented to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.S. Sen. John Kerry and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. A part of the proceeds from “Rockets into Roses” is dedicated toward building above-ground portable bomb shelters in the city of Ashkeon, Israel.
The dedicated knitters of “Knit One, Cure One” donate their proceeds to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The group sells one-of-a-kind fiber art — hand knit scarves, hats, vests, sweaters, jewelry and handbags. “Knit One, Cure One” is a group of crafters who are "in it to end breast cancer." By purchasing items from “Knit One, Cure One” the buyer helps women obtain no-cost screenings and also helps to fund research into better treatments for breast cancer.
Boutique chair Brenda Holt said, “This year, we have 56 vendors and 23 are new to our show. Some of these new vendors are ‘La Cigale’ with their stainproof table cloths from Provence, ‘3 Nanas’ with the best, most classic shortbread cookies ever - light as a feather, beautiful blond color and fabulous taste, ‘B. Hall, The Gourmet Whoopie Pie Baker’ (31 different flavors of Whoopie Pies and mini-tarts), ‘Homegrown Décor’ (unique accessories for the home) and ‘Neunel LLC’ (wool outerwear, rainwear, evening wear and accessories). Our shoppers will find many unique, distinctive items to buy.”
The show will also feature a bountiful Silent Auction, a gift show from the Judaica Gift Shop and the WHC Café. Bakers in the Sisterhood provide a wealth of fresh baked goods for the Café bake sale while sandwiches and salad platters are supplied by Bethesda Bagels. Jay Chow’s California Chicken Salad, soup and chili are other sought-after items.
WHC Sisterhood member Michelle Citren said, “Working on this boutique with the rest of the Sisterhood just gives you a good feeling. We have a wonderful multigenerational group of women who return year after year to make this boutique happen. It’s amazing to realize the difference we can make in our community and in our world.”