Approaching the Holiday with Thanks

Can you believe that it is one week until Thanksgiving? Yikes! Not only do I prepare a table for friends and family, I try to make time to prepare my heart for the spirit of the holiday by remembering those many people who make my life complete. For example, those involved with the Prom Plus Holiday Boutique.

I know that for many the boutique is a fun way to spend a Saturday, preparing for the gift-giving season by shopping while supporting a (very) worthwhile cause. But, as president of Prom Plus, I want to share how much work goes into hosting this worthwhile event.

My hat goes off to Diana Tyson who organizes the 30 or so vendors who take part in the boutique. She is in contact with each, evaluating what they will sell and how well their items fit into our event. She meets with Prom Plus members at the CV Park community center weeks in advance to see how many vendors the boutique can accommodate and then begins to map out where each will be set up. The night before, she meets again to begin setting up tables and chairs in advance of the morning onslaught of arriving merchants. She also directs the a cappella group Monday@JoJos, which ushers in the boutique with song. She stays late after the boutique shuts down to review the finances. She is truly a godsend – especially since she is not even a member of Prom Plus, but an ardent supporter.

The vendors also get a “shout out” because – let’s face it – without them and our shoppers there would be no boutique. Some of them continue to offer deals that benefit Prom Plus; visit the Prom Plus Holiday Boutique 2018 Facebook page for details.

The Prom Plus members who oversee the baked goods – whether collecting, delivering or baking – and those who organize our opportunity drawing also ensure the success of the day. Staffing the event is essential, too; Prom Plus people can be found in the kitchen, preparing coffee, selling the baked goods and distributing lunches at noon. On Friday night, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon, our younger Prom Plus Club members are there with strong backs and willing attitudes to help set up tables, bring in vendors’ supplies and break down the boutique at the end of the afternoon.

I wish I had room to elaborate on each person’s contributions, but you get the idea.

Prom Plus is looking for parents who want to be a part of this dynamic organization. To learn more, give me a call at (818) 248-2740 or visit promplus.org.

  robin goldsworthy