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Thrive Causemetics + Women’s Empowerment International 

Thanks to a very generous donation from our friends at Thrive Causemetics and the efforts of 18 WE volunteers, we packed 300 beauty/self-care kits full of skincare and beauty products, along with notes of encouragement for women enrolled in our grant partner programs. We delivered the kits to three of our local partners for distribution to program participants in San Diego and Tijuana: International Rescue Committee in San Diego, Urban Corps of San Diego County, and Via International. Our mission in this project was to make sure all these women felt empowered, beautiful, seen, and appreciated. The kits will be distributed at holiday and other program events.

Below are photos of the volunteer packing party and our partner deliveries.

Via International

Urban Corps, San Diego County

IRC – San Diego Chapter

The Julian Soup Luncheon on Saturday, May 14 was a huge success thanks to the superb organization of Dyan Winship, Paula Hackman and Nancy Kramer of the Julian giving circle! Over 65 people attended the event on a sunny afternoon at the Santa Ysabel Nature Center.

Attendees enjoyed delicious soups, salads, and desserts while being entertained by the music of Ken Wright and Lenny Boles. Diana Lindsay, Founder and President of Sunbelt Publications, gave an enlightening presentation on the book Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors. It was an afternoon of music, good food, catching up with old friends, and mission-driven inspiration! Together, they raised over $4,500 to fund microloans, workforce readiness training, and poverty alleviation interventions for women in need.

We extend sincere thank-yous to the Julian Circle volunteers for their tireless work to put this event together and to all the friends who attended!

To the generous donors of silent auction basket items: 

Paddy Jacobsen Massage
Mary Morgan
Nancy Kramer
Julian Jewel Box
One Heart Massage
Susan Kaiser
Lynn Jarman & Lesley Mccelland
Volcan Mountain Winery
Heidi Schotfeldt
Women’s Empowerment Partner Entrepreneurs And Board
Rebecca Morales
Darrian & Collins Lum
Toni Marquette

To the superb soup and delectable dessert makers:

Angie Brenner
Carol Schloo-Wright
Carol Pike
Mary Jo Strom
Lynn Jarman
Nancy Kramer
Kristi Holt
Lesley McClelland
Sally Snipes
Annie Dover

To Kathy Louv for the really lovely dining table centerpieces and Sally Snipes and Anita Nichols for the sweet peas and garden flowers in vases that decorated food and auction tables.

Last but not least, to Anita Nichols (Mom’s Pie Company) and Pat Straube (Orchard Hill Country Inn) for the use of their commercial kitchens without which this soup event could not have taken place in the County facility.

Thank you, all!