Stella & Dot Trunk Show: A Night of Fun and Fundraising

Since my brother Chad died, I have been thinking about how to carry on what he started. Chad had a lot of goals: to get better, to be there for his friends and family, to travel, to make a difference with his life. None of us could make him well, but I can do this small thing for him. I can make sure that his life makes a difference.

I am new to fundraising and have been brainstorming ideas for events. Kara Stokke is one of the best organizers I know so I asked her about booking venues and costs and that sort of thing.  The next day she phoned me. She knew I’d been thinking about big events but asked if I wanted to start small. 

Among her many talents, Kara sells Stella & Dot jewelry.  She offered to bring a trunk show to my house and to donate her commission in Chad’s memory.

I invited friends and friends of friends.  We had some wine and tried on some jewelry. People who lived far away bought online, people who weren’t interested in jewelry (and some who were) made their own donations to the HRTCU Fund in Chad’s memory.  People who had never met Chad read his blog and asked me more about him. I shared the photo book Megan made for us the first Christmas without Chad. The night meant more to me than I ever thought it could.

We raised $300 for Chad’s fund. And Kara wants to keep going.  She’s now donating the proceeds each time she sells the Chelsea Hematite Necklace - my favourite necklace.

Thanks Kara. Thanks everyone.

~Jennifer Warren

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