While the rain kept it from happening on Mother's Day weekend, it didn't dampen the spirits of the fabulous donors who attended The Willow's inaugural Garden Party on Saturday, June 8th at the historic Williams House. Set in a field near a bucolic meadow and amazing garden and outbuildings, the Garden Party featured exclusive cocktails from 715, brunch by Evan Williams, dapper emcee extraordinaire Mike Anderson, and the music of the Ric Averill string ensemble.
The collected crowd of nearly 100 sported the finest spring collection and enjoyed specialty made lavender and mint cocktails to the light classical music and contemporary whimsy of the string ensemble. Donors were able to meet and speak with Executive Director Megan Stuke, get pictures taken by Trina Baker photography, and later to participate in an auction with items from local artist, jewelry-makers, business owners, spas, and even a package for their four-legged friends from Pawsh Wash. The Garden Party was emceed by Mike Anderson, who also ran the auction. Mike's low-key affable charm was a hit with the collected crowd, and he did an excellent job of talking about the important work which The Willow does, and how domestic violence and human trafficking directly impact our community. Megan Stuke spoke about The Willow's new Restoration House program, a transitional program which provides survivors with opportunities to work towards financial, personal, and emotional stability by providing low-rent housing with leases of 1-2 years. Restoration House will be joined later in the summer by six single-family homes across town which will also act as transitional housing.
Board President Shannon Portillo outlined the importance of crisis and shelter services and the work that The Willow's court and community client services provide. The auction was a huge success, and several donors agreed to help fund such necessary programs as transitional housing, the Adopt-a-Bedroom shelter refurbishment program, and provide donations for food and personal care items for our shelter. It was truly amazing to see the community come together in such a wonderful and supportive way.
If you missed the Garden Party, there's still time to help The Willow by joining us for our Mic Drop fundraiser, Saturday, June 22nd. Get more information here!