The evening began with 60 plus volunteers wearing something they had purchased from the Shop, enjoying hors d’oeuvres at the Marking Center where Mary Naef, leader extraordinaire of organizing, pricing and moving inventory to the St. Matthew’s Thrift Shop (2812 Main Street in Santa Monica and online at www.stmatthewsthriftshop.com) had beautifully displayed items for sale. Guests eagerly purchased to the tune of over $1000 in one hour.
After everyone feasted on a delectable dinner provided by MisoFull(www.misofull.com for more information) the evening turned inspirational – and not just because of Janet Davis’ “it’s worth going to the gym for these†desserts.
Mistress of Ceremonies (and maker of the sinfully good seven layer dip) Carolyn Sanford started off the evening with her usual aplomb welcoming Ryan Marie Brooks as a new member of the Thrift Shop Board and thanking Alex Roosa and Nora Lerer who coordinated the dinner and Tina Yost and Diane Hogsta for creating the lovely newsletter.
Sanford then turned the podium over to Diane Hogsta and Laura Borda who paid tribute to long time Thrift Shop volunteer, and all around class act, Jane C.B. Scott who passed away suddenly on October 11, 2012 at age 83. Scott was remembered for her vibrant and generous spirit – and intolerance of those who dare question the price placed on any given item. Saint Matthew’s was blessed to count her as part of our community and all who toasted her will celebrate her life by continuing their commitment to help those in need.
Tracy Metzger then took the microphone to share the story of Raul G. who walked into the Thrift Shop in search of a present for his wife … and after several visits in search of a perfect purse to give the mother of his two sons left with a great handbag filled with hope for his future. Metzger talked about how she and other Thrift Shop volunteers got to know Raul as he frequented the store eventually learning that he had fallen on hard times having lost his job, his home, his car and all his possessions. Soon, Raul discovered that Metzger et al were not just good listeners – but women of action.
Metzger phoned the extraordinary Maria D†Angelo, founder of Children’s Lifesaving Foundation who made room for Christopher and Christian, Raul’s two lovely sons to join her summer camp program. The Thrift Shop gang also found a Parish family to donate a car to Raul so he can drive to work and not rely on public transportation.
Following Raul, Christian and Christopher’s heartfelt thanks and appreciation of how God works through used clothing and accessories, two of Maria’s former after school students spoke beautifully about how Children’s Lifesaving Foundation was the key to their successful academic careers. Both Jasmin and Christopher are now thriving students at Santa Monica Community College.
So, for those so inspired, donate a purse – or two – to the Thrift Shop… who knows how many lives it will change.
For more information on St. Matthew’s Parish Thrift Shop: www.stmatthewsthriftshop.com
For more information on Children’s Lifesaving Foundation: www.childrenslifesaving.org
For more information on The Parish of St. Matthew: www.stmatthews.com
