Entertaining Charity

Instead of sharing a recipe this week, I want to share a fabulous entertaining idea that I’m certain you’re going to love just as much as I do. This past Saturday, one of my dearest friends hosted her annual “Spring Girls Brunch”, a fantastic event where all of us “girls” dress up, sip on fruity libations, and enjoy delectable brunch foods such as quiche, cheddar biscuits, yogurt and granola parfaits, blueberry muffins, and caramelized bacon. To sum it up, it’s wonderful!!

Well, this year, my girlfriend added a unique twist by asking each guest to bring a donation for a local non-profit that helps teenage girls in transition to foster care. On the invite, she let us know that she’d have a basket in her front entryway and to please place in it fun items for teenage girls such as nail polish, makeup, hair ties, perfume, etc. Guests were also reminded that all donations were completely voluntary and to just bring whatever we could – no stress, this was just a fun way to help others!

I thought this was an incredibly refreshing idea and I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it was to arrive at the brunch and see this huge basket overflowing with items in the entryway. It was a fantastic reminder that small acts of kindness really can add up to something great, and, even as busy moms, there are multiple ways we can make an impact in our communities (even though we may not have lots of time outside the house to volunteer).

So, the next time you’re entertaining friends or planning a party, consider a canned food drive or collecting other items for the charity of your choice. Here are a few good tips to get you started:

Start with a Good Cause – Whether it’s your local food bank or an organization that helps women and children in need, make sure you’re supporting a good cause and a reputable organization.

It’s a Donation to Charity, Not a Charity Event – Don’t have paralysis by analysis with this one; just because it involves a donation to charity, it doesn’t mean it has to be a fancy event! Wouldn’t most of your girlfriends love to come over for a low-key pizza and wine night, especially if it was for a good cause? Yes, they would!

Keep it Small – Don’t ask guests to bring more than $10 – $15 in items, just a few small things.

Thank Your Guests For Coming – Party favors are a great way to say “thank you”. The picture below is the party favor I received from the Spring Girls Brunch, it’s a Mexican Heather plant wrapped with tissue paper and tied with a burlap ribbon. How elegant and easy is this?!?

Have Fun! – Remember, it’s all about “good friends, good times, and a good cause” – enjoy yourself and everyone else will too!

Let me know, do you host an annual event that’s for a great cause?