Fundraising February at VTB!
As a business owner, my favorite part of being my own boss is the ability I have to contribute to our community. Three years ago, I decided to start Fundraising February. I wanted to have a month that had events to solely focus on benefiting local organizations. In the past three years, VTB has been able to donate over $5,000 to local charities. These charities include local schools, charitable organizations, and, most importantly, local community members.
This year, I thought it would be fun to tell everyone a little bit about each organization that was selected for the 2023 Fundraising February events and the dates you can help contribute! Each organization will have a date selected where 15% of all online sales and sales made at the Chesterland and Mayfield stores will go directly towards that group. It’s so easy for the group as well as the shopper. It’s a win-win situation! So here is our line up…
Transplant House of Cleveland - Thursday February 2, 2023
Many of you may or may not know that my sister donated a portion of her liver to my mother. This was a very intense and emotional time for my family. Being a Cleveland native and having access to great healthcare is nothing we ever took for granted. We could go home at night if we needed to and sleep in our own beds. Unfortunately, my Mom passed away from complications. When she passed, my family was very drawn to being able to help other families that were going through what we went though but not from the local area. According to the Transplant House of Cleveland website, “only 4% of U.S. medical centers have organ transplant programs. Therefore, most who require a transplant as treatment for end-stage organ disease will have to travel away from home to receive that care.The effect of this kind of travel on families is profoundly complicated, both emotionally and logistically, and financially burdensome.” Let ’s make this less emotionally burdensome and help out the Transplant House this Friday!
Cal’s Crew - Friday February 3, 2023
I went to college with Cal’s Mom. She has always been an upbeat person that always wants to help others. She currently works as an intervention specialist at a local school. Cal currently goes to the Mayfield Middle School where he is loved by so many! Cal was diagnosed with high-grade glioma brain cancer last year and is undergoing treatment. We can’t wait to support this family who gives so much to others. Come out Friday and show Cal what a supportive community he has behind him!
Saint Paschal Baylon PTO - Thursday February 9, 2023
This organization was submitted by one of my neighbors and biggest supporter of VTB! Saint Paschal’s is also the parish both of our sons were baptized. Here is a little bit of information about the school from their website: “Today, Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School enrolls over 350 preschool through eighth-grade students with a faculty and support staff of forty. As a collaboration between students, teachers, families, parish and community, Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School hopes to be a vibrant and dynamic school for many more years. Our commitment to the belief that all children can and will learn is one of the main reasons why we continue to be a great Catholic school with a great Catholic tradition of Service, Prayer, and Belief.”
Caden’s Crew - Friday February 10, 2023
Caden is a child who has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Caden’s Crew is a group that was created by his grandma to help support the Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Team in honor of Caden. Caden’s grandma is also a teacher at West Geauga. These teachers all love VTB and are always so supportive of the Boutique. Lets help support this group and help them continue to be one of the top 3 fundraising teams for the past 5 years!
Saint Anselm’s Parent Group - Thursday February 16, 2023
This is Saint Anselm’s third year participating in Fundraising February. This group has always been very supportive of VTB and their fundraising event. The donations from this event help facilitate the relationship between St. Anslem’s school life and the students’ families. Again, a friend from high school is very involved in this organization and I know that they appreciate all the support from our community.
Sole Inspiration - Friday February 17, 2023
Sole Inspirations mission is to provide athletic footwear to underprivileged youth who would otherwise not be able to properly participate in team sports. This group was nominated by a college friend that is a board member of this generous organization. If you are in need, “to be eligible to apply, students must be in 4th – 12th grade, participate in a team sport and show financial need. Shoes will be distributed based on need and allocated funds available each month. Our hope is to be able to fulfill each request! In the event that we do not have the funds available to fulfill a request, you will be notified and encouraged to apply again.” Let’s help Sole Inspiration so they don’t have to turn away any requests.
A Special Wish of NEO - Thursday February 23, 2023
One of my friend’s daughter was granted A Special Wish from this organization. Since she was was a recipient, she wants to make sure as many families as possible feel the love that they felt by continuing to support the group. “A Special Wish Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children between birth and 20 years of age who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. A Special Wish Foundation offers their services to all qualifying children, and does not discriminate based on race, gender, nationality, or ethnicity.” Helping local Cleveland kids is a great feeling and we can’t wait to write another check out to A Special Wish!
Mayfield Center School PTO - Friday February 24, 2023
Center School is near and dear to my heart. Both of my sons attend school here, and Molly will be joining the pack next year! I can’t express how great the teachers and faculty are. The PTO at Center is able to help support the students, families and staff at Center elementary. Any support for the school will be greatly appreciated by the PTO.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill