
When each of us joined the Dreamers into Doers community, few could have imagined where it would take us. We simply knew that we are women of action, women who are not content to sit on the sidelines but are determined to shape the world around us. We wanted to connect with other women who share our values, ideals and sense of purpose.
Most of us could not have envisioned the extent to which we would inspire each other—yet here we are, working together to plan The Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers NYC event, a trip to New York City where we’ll be able to use our God-given talents to share hope, love and beauty with the women and children at Safe Horizon, a New York shelter for victims of domestic violence. Nearly 40 DID women have signed on to participate in this worthy cause. Rachel Gaffney of Rachel Gaffney's Authentic Irish Goods in Dallas and Jolene Macks, owner of Quite the Stir Bed and Breakfast in Gettysburg, Pa., are helping me coordinate the event with assistance and enthusiastic support from Alexis Tirado and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. While planning is still under way, here is how the trip is shaping up so far.
On Monday, January 18, DID sisters from around the nation will arrive in New York City. The next morning, we’ll all head over to the Martha Stewart kitchens for a possible cooking demo. Then, the foodies of the group, led by Rachel, will begin preparing the delectable cuisine for the event. Others in the group will gather to coordinate the details for the event setup, decorations and activities. While we were originally planning to hold the event at the shelter, we learned that the shelter’s dining area could not accommodate more than 20 women. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is helping us find an alternate location—we should be able to share those details soon.
In addition to the luncheon, we are planning to have live music presented and a session where Kim Lampe, Bridgett Mack, Beth Baker and Peggy Gaffney will share their stories along with words of encouragement, hope and inspiration.
While we are sure to make many lasting memories and forge new friendships at this event, we also want to have an impact on a practical level. To that end, we are gathering donations of items for the shelter along with personal gifts for the women and children who take refuge there. Inspirational signs and artwork for the rooms and living areas have already been donated along with sheets and mattress pads, handmade pillows and pillowcases, jewelry, stuffed animals, and other gifts.
On Wednesday, January 20, the DID sisters will receive a tour of the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia offices, watch a taping of the Martha Stewart TV show and take part in additional sightseeing in New York City. It’s going to be a busy, fun-filled and meaningful journey. Thanks so much to Alexis for championing the idea and the MSLO team for embracing it, and thanks to all the DID sisters who have rallied around the Safe Horizon cause.
Although registration to participate in the live event in New York has closed, you can still help by donating gifts or funds for the shelter event. Enchanted Makeovers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is coordinating all donations. Visit
www.enchantedmakeovers.org to view the list of items needed. For more information about how you can help, please contact me at enchantedmakeovers@comcast.net.
Thank you Michelle Biondolillo owner of biondesign.com for designing the event logo.
Many Blessings,
Terry Grahl
Enchanted Makeovers
734-776-0848
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