Thanks to those of you who joined us for our December Luncheon and Holiday Boutique on Wednesday, December 11th at the River Course Ballroom. We had about 70 members and their guests join us for holiday cheer and an opportunity to peruse lovely gift ideas from local artisans and merchants, including MGB Jewels, Brackish, Urban Renewal, Holly and Brooks, Vicki Parry, and Freddi Weiner.
After enjoying a delicious lunch, complete with a Christmas Tree mini-cake, we had the opportunity to hear from our speaker, Monica Billeter of MGB Jewels. Monica first fell in love with making jewelry when one of her three daughters approached her with a broken necklace. After visiting countless stores, and being met with high price demands to fix the necklace, she decided to fix it herself. From there began a business, first making wine glass tags, which slowly turned into beading. In 2009, she began classes at Silvermine Art Guild in New Canaan, CT. Monica shared her story of becoming a talented goldsmith, running a business, and sourcing gold and expertise from the NYC jewelry community.
Prior to the lunch, President Amy Creamer expressed gratitude to the many business sponsors of Arts, etc. and called special attention to one of our top sponsors, Buffington Homes, who were represented at the luncheon by owners Cathy and Joanna. The membership will have the opportunity to meet more premium business sponsors in the coming luncheons and thank them in person for their contributions.
Amy then thanked the members (so far about 20%) who have made their donations and thanked in advance the members who are just about to make their donations! She highlighted the significant matching donation of $25,000 sponsored by the local foundation, Beyond Our Gates. This donation has been offered as an incentive to our membership, and she encouraged all members to donate today so that the students we serve can take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. Beyond Our Gates is a locally-based charity who seeks to improve the lives of the neighbors who live just beyond the gates of Kiawah Island and Cassique. They offer assistance in all aspects of life. Their grant to us will specifically fund PURE Theatre’s after school programs at the middle and high schools.
The next member luncheon will be February 5, 2025, again at the River Course Ballroom. Stay tuned for more details in mid-January.