Start of holiday shopping season
Healdsburg, CA, October 19, 2012. . . Many Healdsburgers look forward every year to the holiday events put on by local churches. Traditionally, one of the earliest is the Annual Holiday Boutique at the Healdsburg Community Church, 1100 University Street. This year the Boutique will be Saturday, November 3, and there will be something to appeal to everyone.
Beginning at 8:00 am and continuing until 3:00 pm, the “Church Garage Sale’ contains items donated from the garages and attics of church members. Household items, children’s toys and furniture are among the finds to be bought at bargain prices.
A new feature of the Boutique will be open from 8:00 am to 10:00 am: the Sidewalk Café, where coffee and homemade baked goods will be for sale and shoppers can relax until the main part of the Boutique opens.
From 9:30 am to 3 pm, the “main attraction” is open. The Boutique features crafts, homemade desserts, jams, and other gourmet items, books, jewelry, and gifts. A sizable inventory means lots to choose from.
The Silent Auction, happening concurrently with the Boutique, is dedicated to extraordinary one-of-a-kind treasures, such as antiques, collectibles, gourmet food basket, handcrafted wood and ceramic pieces, dinners, and other unique items.
Shoppers can enjoy a Luncheon served from 11 am to 1 pm. The fixed price menu includes dessert and beverage. Sit-down service gives a chance to visit and take a break before resuming shopping.
Funds raised by the Boutique have been donated to a wide variety of non-profit organizations for many years, in the Healdsburg community, Sonoma County, and beyond. They include: Healdsburg Shared Ministries (the Food Bank, the Holiday Gift program of food, coats, shoes, and toys), North Coast Community Services (temporary and transitional housing in Healdsburg), Manna House (sanctuary for abused women), Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center, Redwood Gospel Mission (“help and hope for the homeless in Sonoma County”). Children’s Village of Sonoma County (stable, family-style homes for children in foster care), Rafiki Foundation (support of an orphan in Malawi).