‘Project Mother’s Day’ Fundraiser for Sheltered Moms, Kids, March 20 at Dearborn Hills Golf Course
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
For the fourth consecutive year, Dearborn’s Solstice Designs Jewelry is leading the efforts on a wonderful event that raises money so kids in domestic shelters can give their mom a handmade necklace on Mother’s Day.
This year Solstice Designs Jewelry hopes to raise more than $7,500 for its Project Mother’s Day Fundraiser, which is being held Friday, March 20 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Dearborn Hills Golf Course Club House, one of the event’s partners. Smooth Jazz V98.7 also is an event partner.
The fundraiser will feature champagne and all things chocolate, a jewelry trunk show and more. Solstice Designs will make, gift-wrap and ship 400 necklaces to honor women in 10 shelters across the country, including First Step of Michigan. Even sheltered women without children will receive a necklace as a special gift from a caring friend.
The “Project Mother’s Day” event is the brainchild of Sandy Boulton and Sherry Duquet of Solstice Designs, co-founders of the Dearborn-based artisan jewelry maker. The two very talented designers make some of the most unique and beautiful jewelry in Michigan.
Sandy Boulton gives the credit for the Mother’s Day idea to Sherry Duquet.
“One day in March, three years ago, it literally came to her plain as day,” Boulton said. “She said to me ‘I know we are just starting this business and don’t have any money, but I want to give something special to children in the care of a domestic abuse shelter so they will have a gift for their Mom on Mother’s Day’.
And that is how the idea to make a necklace for kids to give to their mother — while trying to find a way to raise money to help fund it — came to be. “We still don’t have the money on our own,” Boulton said, “but with the generous support of our clients, friends and the community, we know we do this again this year!”
"The Courage Within" necklace is adorned with three stacked charms: a sterling silver heart, a hand-hammered copper circlet; and a sterling silver coin hand-stamped with the word "Courage".
This year’s necklace is named “The Courage Within” and represents the strength and the “courage” within every woman’s heart, Boulton says.
Project Mother’s Day continues to grow. The first three events benefited First Step of Michigan. This year, in partnership with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the program has grown to support nine more shelters across the country.
Last year, just over $2,500 was raised, allowing Solstice to make 85 necklaces and a cash donation to First Step of Michigan. This year, the target is to make 400 necklaces, which is going to require $7,500 in donations to cover the costs of components, boxes, bows and shipping.
The work Solstice is doing is getting recognized nationally, too. Family Circle magazine will feature a story about Project Mother’s Day in its May issue in the “Good Works” column.
“We are so excited about the momentum of this event,” Boulton said. “Good things are happening in Michigan and Project Mother’s Day is living proof!”
Indeed, it is.
Tickets are just $20 in advance online or limited availability at the door. You can purchase tickets or make a donation at www.solsticed.etsy.com