Gals That Give

November 5, 2014 by scstarter

Last month’s event for Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition was unforgettable. We stood together with a room full of breast cancer survivors, their families and heard firsthand experiences from four amazing women from the Delaware community. Our largest attended event yet, we packed the Outlook at the Duncan Center with over 230 ladies dressed in pink for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Collectively, the Gals That Give community successfully raised $5,800 in just a few hours.

One year ago I’m not sure that any of us thought that we’d raise over forty thousand dollars for the Delaware community in 11 events. What an amazing first year it has been and we can’t be more thankful for the women that join us every month, tell their friends, share our posts (and also through paid promotion through themarketingheaven.com) on social media and donating auction items. With the help of these wonderful women and local businesses, the Gals That Give community, as a whole is making a difference in Delaware. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate our 1 year anniversary, a co-ed event we’re calling “Gals (& Guys) That Give” on November 20th for the Dover Fraternal Order of The Police.

For the October event for Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, we tried a few new activities that we can’t wait to implement again in the future! Here are a few pictures from the event!

#GoPink Wear Your Best Pink Outfit For Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition
We told the ladies that we would be secretly judging them & that the best pink outfit would win a prize. The winner won a tasty dessert arrangement donated from Dawne Nickerson-Banez of Frankfurt Bakery.

#Gals4Charity Picture Contest
We challenged the ladies to post their best pictures on facebook, twitter & instagram with the #gals4charity hashtag. It was a blast! The winner of won our custom Gals That Give Delaware Charity t-shirt and a bottle of champagne for their table.

Mission: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition
The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition is a 501(c)(3) organization offering statewide programs and services of education, outreach, and early detection, and treatment of breast cancer. DBCC’s programs reach diverse communities to deliver messages that address their unique concerns about breast cancer and early detection. All funds raised for DBCC support programs in Delaware and the neighboring areas in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Programs in Kent County reach Hispanic, African American, Haitian, uninsured, and underinsured women and men affected by breast cancer. We connect these populations and the general public to breast health education, financial support for screening, prosthesis, wigs, and resources for the newly diagnosed including beginning your breast cancer journey classes and peer mentors.

Mission: Gals That Give Delaware Charity

Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day.

There are five founders that lead the organization:
Kim Willson, Ruggerio & Willson
Erin Barrett, The Outlook at The Duncan Center
Christina Lessard, Lessard Builders
Stephanie Preece, George & Lynch
(and me!) Catrina Sharp, Lessard Builders

November 5, 2014 by scstarter

In early 2014, Gals That Give held an event for Cancer Support Community Delaware. It was an amazing event and there was not a dry eye in the room during their education presentation, a testimony from cancer survivor, Ray Failing.

The Gals That Give event for Cancer Support Community and the October event for Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition were both very eye opening because out of 150 to 230 women, almost everyone in the room acknowledged that they have been affected by cancer in their lives.

We’re big fans of the Cancer Support Community and what they do so naturally, we were more than happy to be contenders as guest bartenders at their “Give Cancer The Boot” Guest Bartender Showdown event. Christina Lessard, Kim Willson, Stephanie Preece, Erin Barrett and I will be serving a #DoGood cocktail competing against The Friends of Cancer Support Community Team serving the “Good JuJu Cocktail”.

A Family Friendly Event! In addition to delicious drinks, fun company and a good cause there will be line dancing lessons, music and ten percent of the food sales will go directly to Cancer Support Community. We’re hoping for a great event and we’d love for you to join us! The event starts at 6:00 pm and will be held at Cowboy Up Saloon, 1036 Lafferty Lane in Dover, Delaware.

Cancer Support Community Delaware Mission

To ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. http://www.wellnessdelaware.org/

Gals That Give Mission
Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day. There are five founders that lead the organization:

Kim Willson, Ruggerio & Willson

Erin Barrett, The Outlook at The Duncan Center

Christina Lessard, Lessard Builders

Stephanie Preece, George & Lynch

(and me!) Catrina Sharp, Lessard Builders

November 5, 2014 by scstarter

Whew! What an uplifting Gals That Give year! I’m not sure that any of us predicted that we would be able to pack a room of 240 attendees and raise over $40,386 in eleven events. The past year has been quite the whirlwind with the rapid growth of Gals That Give and we are so excited to celebrate our one year birthday on November 20th as a fundraiser for the City of Dover Fraternal Order of The Police. We’re planning for an extraordinary first birthday event therefore we decided that just this month we’re inviting the guys to join in on the fun. We are expecting a larger than usual turnout this month so we will be limiting the amount of tickets available and they must be purchased online by November 17th.

Join us for a fun #dogood night sponsored by Lessard Builders!
The event will follow the typical format which includes a three course dinner with appetizers and dessert prepared by Outlook Events at The Duncan Center. There will be a Chinese or “pick a prize” style auction and a 50/50. Our friends at the Painted Stave Distillery will be providing tastings and local musician Emily Moses will be rockin’ out our favorite hits. Dinner is typically served around 6:40 pm but can vary depending on the events of the evening.

Gals (& Guys) That Give Ticket Options:

$25 ticket includes admission & dinner
$35 ticket includes Dinner ticket + (1) bottle of wine (you choose red or white)

(New!) Must Pay Online Prior To The Event
This is a necessary change this month due to the size of the event. Limited seating will be available so please, please, please mark your calendars and RSVP early via Eventbrite! We would love for everyone to join us but space will be limited so do not wait until the last minute!

(New!) #Gals4Charity Social Media Photo Contest
We LOVED looking through the pictures for the #gals4charity picture contest at the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition last month. We will be doing this again – so get creative and tag your event photos with #Gals4Charity on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. The winner will win a prize after dinner.

(New!) Auction Tickets: We added another level!

The Gals That Give community is so lucky to have the support of local businesses and individuals that donate items to our “pick a prize” or “chinese” style auction every month. For the month of November, the list has been pretty extensive with higher priced items such as Philadelphia Flyers tickets, Baltimore Ravens tickets, a low digit auto tag, a capital tour with lunch in the exclusive members only U.S. Senate room, an Apple iPad and other items at a similar price point so we have decided to add another level of auction tickets that allows you to purchase 150 tickets for $100. All proceeds from the auction ticket sales go towards the Dover Fraternal Order of The Police.

Attendees can purchase auction tickets at the event for the following levels:

(New!) Super Sponsor of the Month:
The recently launched sponsorship gives businesses the opportunity to be in front of the Gals That Give community and attendees before, during and after the actual event via social media and signage.

The 2015 Schedule To Be Announced at November Event
The 2015 events calendar and assigned non-profits will be announced at the November 20th Anniversary Party. At this time, businesses can also request months that they would like to be a Super Sponsor. For non-profits interested in applying, you must be a 501c3 and if you’d like to be considered for 2016, please submit your application prior to June 1st, 2015. Email [email protected] for an application or Super Sponsor information.

First Friday Dover
As a reminder, the downtown merchants get together every first Friday of the month to throw fun events similar to a block party with music, refreshments, activities and sales. All proceeds go towards the corresponding Gals That Give Charity of the Month. The checks are presented the charity at each Gals That Give event.

The Education Piece
In one year, we have learned about eleven additional non-profits and resources that support the area where we live. Prior to dinner the non-profit takes a few minutes to present to to the audience through testimonials, experiences and statistics. I feel that this is the most inspirational part of what we do with Gals That Give. Everyone has faced struggles in their lifetime. When someone stands up to share their story with us you can feel the energy in the room pull together as a support system. The sense of community is so powerful it gives me goosebumps every time I think about it.

About the Dover Fraternal Order of Police:
The mission of the Dover Fraternal Order of Police is to assist a fellow members in need and protect and serve their community and the citizens who represent it.

The Fraternal Order of Police is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers and has become the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. The F.O.P. is dedicated to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those we serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and employee representation. Lodge #15 represents the Officers of the City of Dover Police Department.

In fact, there is more you can do if you wish to support some interesting social projects. Check out MAKEITHAPPEN.ORG.AU for details.

Heroes and Helpers
Outside of their daily routine the police officers of the Dover F.O.P. give back to the community by organizing fundraising events and participating in various programs such as the Special Olympics, Toys for Tots and Dover Night Out. During the holiday season they continue to work with organizations like Heroes and Helpers to raise funds so they can brighten the holiday for families who need it most by taking a group of children in need shopping at Target for the holiday.

About the Gals That Give Charity
Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day.

There are five founders that lead the organization:
Kim Willson, Ruggerio Willson & Associates
Erin Barrett, The Outlook at The Duncan Center
Christina Lessard, Lessard Builders
Stephanie Preece, George & Lynch
(and me!) Catrina Sharp, Lessard Builders

Event Details:
The Outlook at The Duncan Center in Dover, Delaware
Thursday, November 20th
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
We can be reached via email at [email protected], on Facebook or by phone (302) 698-1091

October 28, 2014 by scstarter

We’re so excited to announce that our very own Christina Lessard has been named to Delaware Business Times’ list 40 Delaware Achievers Innovators Under 40!

“Christina has completely taken Kent County by storm, in that she has immersed herself in the business community while educating our young people that it’s important to be active in the community you serve.”

– Judy Diogo, President of Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce

Meet Christina Christina began working with Lessard Builders at a young age helping clean the office and run errands as well as other receptionist duties. As she grew older and more familiar with the business, she took on more responsibility and worked with her father, Brian on the day to day activities. Upon graduating from Wilmington University with a BS in Finance, she assumed the role of Comptroller and gained a more comprehensive understanding of the industry from the financial aspect. Today at 27, you can find her co-leading Lessard Builders with her father, working in the office with the administrative team, with clients at the model home or on the construction site. Since the 1940’s, the Lessard family has built custom homes with a passion for quality craftsmanship and superior design. As the fourth generation, Christina looks forwards to carrying on the business with the same values and dedication.

Building Community Homes Delaware — Lessard Builder’s Habitat for Humanity Day

The Importance of Philanthropy Christina’s passion for philanthropy was instilled at a young age. The Lessard family has always encouraged community involvement and the importance of “giving back” both as a family and as a company through the local food pantry, Habitat for Humanity events, schools and other local organizations. With philanthropy as a key influence in her upbringing, Christina strives to promote such work to her generation through young professional networking opportunities in hopes to work together to towards positive changes. Christina’s most recent work includes being a board member of Next Generation South a young professional philanthropic organization with the Delaware Community Foundation and partnering with the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce to form Innovative Initiative, an organization that focuses on young professional development through mentoring meetings and networking events. In the fall of 2013, Christina co-founded Gals That Give, a non-profit that holds monthly girl’s night out events for charity at The Outlook at The Duncan Center. In eleven events, the Gals That Give charity has raised over $40,000 for various non-profits in the Delaware community.

Gals That Give Delaware Community — Gals That Give April 2014 Fundraiser

About The Delaware Business Times The Delaware Business Times is an online and print publication that aims to keep Delaware’s business and civic leaders informed with essential news, information, trends, insights and contacts. According to the Delaware Business Times, the comprehensive quest for the inaugural 40 Delaware Achievers and Innovators Under 40 list took a few weeks searching far and wide across Delaware’s most successful professional organizations. “In short, we combed all three counties and talked to business leaders, titans of industry, and people in the know, looking for 40 candidates under the age of 40, all of whom are on the rise in their respective fields, exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit, and engage with their communities and local civic organizations on a regular basis.” Notes the online article by Robert Kalesse. To view the entire list, visit the article by Robert Kalesse on The Delaware Business Times.

August 24, 2014 by scstarter

“We have a good community. We know a lot of good people. I wish the whole Earth could be just one big community. Imagine if all the good people worked together.” – Braeden Quinn

Not long ago I introduced you to an inspiring young Delawarean that is finding time to give back to his community between school, sports and being a ten year old kid.

Meet Braeden Quinn — Braeden Quinn, Founder of 3B: Brae’s Brown Bags

I began working with Braeden after his grandmother saw an article about Gals That Give’s monthly girl’s night out for charity events in The News Journal. He reached out to us on Twitter, asking if we could help him plan an upcoming event. Impressed with Braeden’s mission to help others at such a young age, it was without question that the gals were all on board to help!

To my surprise, our task was not to plan a full scale fundraising event with fancy decorations, auction items or gidgets and gadgets galore. We were planning a fun party where Braeden could invite his biggest supporters and simply thank them for their help throughout his first year of 3B’s. What an A-W-E-S-O-M-E concept.

But seriously, our world today needs more positivity, selflessness and thank yous! To me, each brown bag that Braeden delivers contains more than water and healthy snacks. It sends hope, optimism and a proof that people do care. Something that we all need to be reminded of once in a while.

3B NonProfit Thanks Delaware

The celebration was a huge success! We were honored to be part of such a fun and thoughtful event. There were games like foursquare and cornhole, a moonbounce obstacle course, photobooth, door prizes, music from WSTW, t-shirts, cool sunglasses that fold up to fit in your pocket and delicious food. Who knew the Bear-Glasgow YMCA had so much awesome space for fun events and parties.

YMCA Bear Glasgow — Setting up at the YMCA

3B Summer Celebration at the YMCA — 3B goody bags & t-shirts!

3B Summer Celebration at the YMCA door prizes — Door prizes – so many winners!

Inflatables at 3B Celebration YMCA — The obstacle course from Inflatables R Fun!

3Bs: UDairy Creamery — Finn was the first to test taste UDairy Creamery!

Basketball Court at YMCA Delaware — Foursquare and basketball too!

Braeden even gave a great speech and gave out awards to people like his buddy Senator Bryan Townsend, Senator Bethany Hall Long, super supporters from his family like his grandparents, Ministry of Caring, The Food Bank of Delaware, YMCA of Delaware, Gals That Give & APO Zeta Sigma at University of Delaware. Delaware Senator Tom Carper, Jeffery Gentry of The News Journal, Tanya Steel of Epicurious were also thanked but were unable to be make the event.

Bear Glasgow YMCA Pavilion — The YMCA pavilion was packed!

Braeden and Senator Bryan Townsend — Braeden thanks his buddy, Senator Bryan Townsend.

Senator Bethany Hall Long Summer Celebration — Senator Bethany Hall Long with her award from Brae!

I was part of a planning committee that consisted of Braeden, his mom Christy, Terry Mullan of the YMCA and Kim Turner and Caitlin Custer from The Food Bank of Delaware. He invited us up on stage and said the nicest things about each of us! Braeden’s thoughtful and unexpected words gave me goosebumps – thank you, Braeden!! I just have to say that it is easy to bubbly and happy when you are helping someone like you make a difference in the world! You inspire us all, Braeden. Keep up the awesome work.

3B Planning Celebration — The #3BThankYou planning team rockin’ the 3B sunglasses

Sponsors of the 3B Thank You event were: YMCA of Delaware, The Food Bank of Delaware, 93.7 WSTW, Big Fish Grill, UDairy Creamery, Custom Ink, Gals That Give, Holman Moving Systems and the Transportation Union Systems Local Lodge 584.

3B Moo Mobile UDairy Creamery — Yum! Four flavors to choose from.

Amelia and Christy Mannering — Super Mom of Braeden, Christy and his sister Amelia!

Keep up the amazing work Braeden! Looking forward to next year.

Find out more about 3B: Brae’s Brown Bags
Braeden Mannering is a ten year old on a mission to help those in need with healthy snacks. He’s a food insecurity advocate and introduced Michelle Obama with a fantastic speech at the 2014 Kids’ State Dinner in July 2014. Follow Braeden’s adventures to do good on Facebook, Twitter or read his blog.

July 29, 2014 by scstarter

Did you know that the first Friday of every month, the downtown Dover shops pretty much throw a big block party with refreshments, fun activities and live music for the whole family? Stop searching for inexpensive things to do with your family on a Friday night! Get outside, walk around and enjoy what downtown Dover has to offer. It is a much better way to spend your time (and money) than two hours at the movie theater or in front of the television on a beautiful summer night.

Check out everything there is to do for all groups of age or interest at First Friday Downtown Dover:

August Theme: Downtown Dover Beach Party! First Friday, August 1st: from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Frankfurt Bakery on S. Governors Ave – Arts in the Alley, face painting, cupcake decorating, and an origami demonstration for the kids! DJ & live performance from the Blecher Trio, a family of kids singing the Disney Hits.

Bayard Pharmacy on Loockerman St. – Free refreshments from Frankfurt Bakery & a free summer gift basket for the first 15 kids who stop in.

Bel Boutique on Loockerman St. – Throwback Party Vintage Style! Fun for all – stop by to check out the real, vintage hot rod in front of the shop and check out the Alex & Ani Vintage ’66 collection. If this were me – it would be a great way to get the fiancé to shop with me! I could check out the Alex & Ani bracelets for as long as I wanted! Clever setup here, ladies.

Dover Art League on W. Loockerman St. presents “Shades of Georgia O’ Keeffe”, talented local artists will be able to demonstrate their appreciation for the works of this famous, accomplished artist. The criteria for submitted artworks it that the art works be in a style inspired by the works of O’Keeffe. This could mean art works done in modernist style, vibrant color, similar subject matter, or any other way that may show Georgia O’Keeffe’s influence.There will be a reception from 5pm to 7pm.

33 West on Loockerman St. – Live music by Tim Jardon starting at 8:30 pm

Golden Fleece on Loockerman St. – Hors d’oeurves and live entertainment featuring Brian McDaniels followed by Stacks Entertainment

Beyond Dimensions on Governors Ave – Hosting singer/songwriter Rick Hudson & light refreshments

Blue Hen Auction Company on Loockerman St. – Free Antique Appraisals from 5 to 7 pm

Dover News Stand on Loockerman St. – Live music by J.D. Sage

Rouge: 50% all bikinis

Partners In Design: 20% off everything

Additional First Friday participants in downtown Dover: Suds Bar & Essentials, Forney’s & Forney’s Too, Cendel Foundation, Beehive Beauty Shop, Emmanuel’s Book Shop, Amore Bridal, Chereveux Salon, J La Salon, Maxine’s Fashions, Dover Public Library

First Friday Downtown Dover Give Back to the Delaware community The participating First Friday Downtown Dover merchants all donate a percentage of sales to a chosen charity of the month as part of “First Friday Gives Back”. The Downtown Dover Partnership merchants have decided to partner with the local Gals That Give charity which means that the proceeds from “First Friday” in the beginning of each month will go to the corresponding Gals That Give charity of that month.

The August 1st, 2014 “First Friday” will benefit Foundation for a Better Tomorrow to correspond with the July 17th Girls Night benefit.

Time to open up that smart phone calendar and invite your your friends, family or co-workers to stop by downtown Dover the first Friday of each month to enjoy a big party and give back to the community. Enjoy art, face painting, live music, food, community and fun for the whole family. Follow their happenings on Facebook.

July 28, 2014 by scstarter

As you may know, Christina Lessard and I help lead a non-profit called Gals That Give along with three other women: Kim Willson of Ruggerio Willson & Associates, Stephanie Turner of George & Lynch and Erin Barrett of Outlook Events at The Duncan Center.

Gals That Give Kids 2014 — Gals That Give ladies with local 4H Club

We’ve had a surge of new interest in the event lately so I thought I would create a post that would explain what we do, the concept and how those interested can join. The concept is pretty simple (and fun)! Once a month Gals That Give hosts a Girl’s Night Out dinner for charity. The event kicks off at 5:30 pm to end at 7:30 pm and includes a buffet dinner, cash bar, 50/50 and Chinese auction. All proceeds go to the featured charity which changes each month.

Gals On A Mission:
Gals That Give is giving back to the non-profit organizations in our local community. Our work is about building stronger communities and relationships and we believe that women are an important leverage point in that work. Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day.

It’s working!
Gals That Give kicked off in September 2013 and it is astounding to see 150 women pull together and raise thousands of dollars for a local charity in just two hours. To date, Gals That Give events have collectively raised a total of $29,771 for the local area.

Each charity has brought a new group of women to the table and it seems like our core group of ladies just keeps growing and growing! In a room of about 150 ladies, about sixty percent return from previous months and about forty percent are joining us for the first time.

No – you do not need to have a “date” with you to join us for the first time. If you are weary about being a first timer – just message us or let one of us know and we’ll introduce you to a few friendly faces. You might even recognize someone from one of the charities we’ve worked with in 2014.

Past Gals That Give events:
– Next Generation Delaware South, September 2013
– The Shepard Place, November 2013
– Communities In Schools Delaware, January 2014
– Cancer Support Community Delaware, February 2014
– Purrfect Haven Cat Rescue, March 2014
– Holler N Hooves 4H Club of Delaware, April 2014
– Girls on The Run Delaware, May 2014
– Operation: Dorm to Gourm, June 2014
– Foundation For A Better Tomorrow, July 2014

Upcoming Gals That Give events:
– Thursday, September 18th: Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity RSVP here
– Thursday, October 16th: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition
– Thursday, November 20th, Gals (and Guys) That Give benefit for Dover F.O.P

Did that just say Gals AND Guys? Yes! It did – we’re so excited to celebrate our first birthday with a co-ed event and hope that you’ll join us with your gal and guy friends for a fun evening giving back to the Dover Fraternal Order of Police.

How much are tickets?
Tickets are $25 per person. You can pay online via Eventbrite or by cash or check made out to Gals That Give at the door the day of the event.

How to Participate:
We’ve had a lot of ladies ask what they can do to help or to become a member. All you have to do is join in on the fun at our events. If you’d like to participate by donating an auction item, you can do that as well.

What is the Gals That Give Auction?
The Gals That Give auction is 25 to 60 items donated by local people or organizations in the community. You have the option to purchase raffle tickets at the event and place them in the corresponding cup for the items that you’d like to win. At the end of the evening, we shake up the cups and pull a ticket – if it is your number, you are going home a winner! 100% of the ticket proceeds go towards the featured charity of the month.

To date, we’ve seen a variety of items including Alex & Ani bracelents, TOMS shoes, fashion accessories, art from local artists, cakes, gift certificates, wine baskets, food baskets, girls night out baskets, massage gift certificates, mulch, a beach house weekend, Phillies tickets, event tickets, hair cuts, hair treatments, kid birthday parties, gym memberships and much more.

How to donate an item to the Chinese Auction:
You can coordinate with one of the ladies from Gals That Give or a representative from that month’s featured charity. We do ask that we have the item a few days prior to the event so we can everything set up before the doors open at 5:30 pm. We can also give you an in kind donation form as well!

How Charities can apply:
Charities that have a 501©3 status can submit an application to us at a Gals That Give dinner for consideration. Contact us via email, at an event or on Facebook for the application.

How to contact Gals That Give and stay current on upcoming events:

Join Our Mailing List
Connect with us on Facebook:
Connect with us on Twitter: @GalsThatGive
Email Us: [email protected]
Go to our Eventbrite page for details on current, past & upcoming events.

We hope to hear from you! If you’ve been to a Gals That Give event, we’d love to hear what you think!

Testimonials

Tom and Gloria Douglas

Ocean View, Delaware

John and Denise Johnson

Lewes, Delaware

Sara and Jo King

Lewes, Delaware

Phone

Office Address

Lewes Office