Information about the next event: Helping Ava

All of us would agree that little girls are like sunflowers to the planet….. They’re happy, beautiful, and vibrant! The Fabulous Women are jumping in to help Ava! Tiffany Boulad and Cat Cantos have nominated Ava Mortier to be the next cause for our Fabulous Women’s Group. Raised in Petaluma, this 7 year old has many friends in our community. She attended Old Adobe School and got involved with a wonderful playgroup filled with moms and kids all over Petaluma. While traveling with her family, doctors diagnosed Ava with Lymphoma. Even though the family has roots and connections in Petaluma, they have elected to start Ava’s treatment in Seattle. They have family members there who can support them through this difficult time. Most of us are mothers and can only imagine what it must be like to have their child go through such a hardship. The Fabulous Women are excited about sending Ava some Love and Sunshine from Petaluma.

Kesa Labanowski will be hosting the Fabulous Women at her house for an “Afternoon Pool Side Party.” The event will start at 5:00PM. The address is: 425 Trinity Court

Come enjoy an evening of fun and inspiration! Bring your girlfriends……everyone is welcome! We just ask each guest to bring a little appetizer or a beverage to share. We are trying to be "Green" so please bring your own glass. Because the family is in Seattle, we won’t have any of them present, but we have many close friends who will be there to share stories about Ava and her courageous spirit. The parents do not know about our event. We prefer to keep this gathering a surprise. We do know that the parents are open to community support because they are sharing Ava’s story through a blog on the internet called,
“Caring Bridge.” Feel free to log on to the address below. It will give you
additional details about Ava and her special family.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/avamortier

I hope you’ll join us for this special event.
Please RSVP Krista @ 799-2153 or through e-mail: littlepepper16@hotmail.com

Recap of the Case Family Event

I just wanted to send a heartfelt “Thank You” to all of you who came out to support the Casey Family. Martha Domont and the Club Manager, Robin, from Petaluma Valley Athletic Club (PVAC) were gracious to host the event. We had about 75 women attend and the generosity was tremendous. We raised $4,824.00. That includes the summer camps that were donated by PVAC for Keri’s kids. Special thanks to the Silva Family who also donated gymnastic camp. There were beautiful examples of courage shared by Martha Domont, Lisa Baird, Kirsten Efhan, and Miss Diane from Adobe Christian School. Keri is an inspiration. Her strength and commitment to her family has moved everyone who has heard her story. As we watched the video of her family there was not a dry eye in the house. (Special thanks to Lisa Baird for creating such a beautiful video that captures the family’s love) Coming out of this event, I feel like there’s a lesson of gratitude and compassion. It’s the type of story that changes the heart.

I would like to thank all of the women who went out of their way to make a donation even though they could not make the event. People found me at school and Mr. Pickles….they dropped off envelopes to my house and even mailed in their checks. It was awesome! I would also like to thank several ladies that donated items for the silent auction: Michelle Gisea donated about $750.00 worth of Camel Bak Packs and water bottles, Victoria Webb from Looking Glass Photography donated a photo session along with a free family portrait, and Jennifer Casper donated a custom designed two layer cake.
The last person that I would like to acknowledge is Lydia Zipp. She has made it her life mission to educate and support women with cancer. She started the Women’s Cancer Awareness Group in Petaluma and her work is invaluable. At our event she sold Pashminas and donated all the proceeds to the Casey Family.

It was an honor to share our gift with Keri. Kirsten brought Keri and her mother to PVAC where she got a chance to meet Martha and Robin. I introduced myself and introduced her to the “Fabulous Women.” I told her that our goal is to support causes and families that are special to our community. She was moved to learn that we gathered to help her family…………and she was overwhelmed with the generosity of our group. We presented her with the money and a framed picture of the women who attended the fundraiser. She was so touched by all of the messages of love and hope. That moment made everything a little better. It was wonderful for Keri to know that she has friends and people who she doesn’t even know who are cheering her on and sending positive intentions.

For those of you who signed up to help with dinners and daycare, I have forwarded the list of names to Victoria Skinner and Heidi Rhymes. They are in the process of coordinating a schedule for the family. Lisa Baird is coordinating house cleaning for the Caseys’. If you did not attend the event and would like to make a donation for the family, additional funds raised will be put toward house cleaning costs. I have included e-mails of the women who are coordinating help for the family. Feel free to contact them with your ideas and questions. Victoria: vskinner@me.com Heidi: heidirhymes@gmail.com Lisa: elizabethbaird@yahoo.com

Article from Argus Courier: A Big Heart

Click here for this article on Krista and the Fabulous Women in the Petaluma Argus Courier...

http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20100520/COMMUNITY/100529952?tc=ar

Important Information about our next cause - June 6th

I want to tell you about a very special mom who lives in Petaluma. Her name is Keri C. I learned about Keri from two of the Fabulous Women, Kirsten Efhan and Gena Burgess. Both women came to me independently and suggested that the Fabulous Women should help Keri and her family. Keri has had a long and difficult battle with cancer. It started out about 4 ½ years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her cancer has been aggressive and it has spread throughout her body. Despite her courage and positive attitude, the cancer continues to threaten her life. All of this by itself is very challenging. She also has the job of raising two very small children. Keri and her husband, Brian, have a daughter named, Brycelyn (age 4 ½ ) and a boy named Dalton (age 6).

Most of us in this group are mothers. We can only imagine what it might be like to manage the duties of motherhood while trying battle cancer. Keri has had some wonderful people support her during her time of need. Members of Adobe Christian School and new friends from Corona School have stepped up to help with meals and daycare. The Fabulous Women are proud to step in and also help this family.
We think it is time to join forces and see what we can do together as a community.

We will have a Fabulous Women’s Event for the Casey Family on Sunday, June 6th.

PVAC is very involved in the community. The owner, Martha Domont, is proud to partner up for the Casey Family. She is a breast Cancer Survivor. She feels very connected to this cause. The event will be from 3pm – 6pm. Everyone is welcome.

Events for the Fabulous Women are meant to be social and meaningful. The intention of the group is to bring dynamic women together to enjoy each other’s company, network and support a cause in our community. Sometimes the cause is for a family in need…..other times it’s to help a local organization. A twenty dollar donation is suggested, but many times the participants give more after they hear the story and become connected to the cause. In this case, food cards, gas cards, donation of services like massage or daycare are appropriate. Also, if you have access to fun activities for her small children, please let us know.

**If you come on June 6th, please bring an appetizer or a bottle of wine to share. To cut back on waste, please bring your own wine glass. Everyone is welcome……please tell a friend!

IMPORTANT: The family will not be at the event. We hope to keep this event quiet from them. We believe that the act of kindness will mean more….also, we don’t want to put them in an uncomfortable spotlight.

Please RSVP Krista at: littlepepper16@hotmail.com or call: 799-2153

Recap of Event for Robin Russell and MS

Thank you to all of the women who came out to Club One for our last Fabulous Event. The women came in droves…..They were arm in arm with their girlfriends carrying wine glasses & tasty appetizers. There were about 120 guests that filled the lounge of Club One. The turn-out was fantastic. Robin Russell was our lovely hostess who not only shared the cause for the evening but she courageously shared her story of what it’s been like to be diagnosed with a rare form of MS (Multiple -Sclerosis).

Diagnosing MS is challenging because of the wide range of symptoms. It affects every person different. Almost any neurological symptom can appear with the disease, and often progresses to physical and cognitive disability. Fortunately for Robin, she is under the care of UCSF medical specialists, which continue to uncover new strategies and treatments to help patients. Our group was moved by Robin’s courage. Most people came into the evening knowing nothing about MS……the women left with knowledge, understanding, empathy and hope for a cure. We raised $4,285.00. That money has gone directly to UCSF, and we will continue to hold good intentions for Robin and others who have Multiple Sclerosis. Thank you for your generosity. Robin’s Mom flew in from Indiana to be a part of the event. She was comforted to know that there is such a loving support system here for her daughter.

A Day for All Women - Save the Date!

A "Day for All Women" takes place Saturday, April 17, 2010, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, at the Petaluma Community Center. It is sponsored by The Women's Cancer Awareness Group (WCAG). Marilyn Kentz (The Mommies), Debbie Abrahms (KZST), Leslie Sbrooco (Check Please, Morning Show, and Thirst Girl Author) will be some of the main attractions for the day. It's a day filled with inspiration, information on women's issues, and there will be a great marketplace. Lunch, wine, cheese, and swag bags are included. The cost is only $25.00. Tell your girlfriends!!

For more information, click here.

In Memory: Kathy Van Riper

For those of you who had the privilege to meet and hear Kathy Van Riper talk at a few of our events, I am sad to share that she has lost her battle with Cancer. The Fabulous Women hosted Kathy at PVAC, where she shared information about her organization, Kathy’s Camp. She started this camp to support children who have a parent diagnosed with Cancer. She did this to support her own children who were young and watching her go through her struggles with her health. She was inspiring and very courageous. She was a wife, a mother, an athlete, and an inspiration. Kathy’s Camp is just one of her many legacies. “Thank you Kathy for being such a loving role model. We only saw you as a brave woman with a tremendous heart. God Bless!”

Recap - A Wonderful Event for Mentor Me

Thank you for your strong participation in our last gathering. The evening was another example of grand generosity and positive energy. Our cause was Mentor Me Petaluma. It was wonderful to hear Val Richman, Lyn Romstad, and Nanci Ryan talk about the impact that this program has had on so many kids in the community. It started off at McNear School….. and now the program supports 15 schools throughout Petaluma. We learned that evening that 1 hour a week can change a child’s life, and the mentors are profoundly touched by their connection with their child. The kids in the program do not have lavish expectations, they are not looking for a new parent or tough discipline……the mentor supports the child by just being present…….talking, playing a board game, or tossing a football. It’s a rare and beautiful moment for these kids to feel a sense of importance outside their homes. During that hour with their mentor, kids’ self-esteems are blooming and their hearts are growing.
Currently, there are 100 kids on a waiting list for a mentor. Like most programs, budget cuts jeopardize the program. It was generous of the Fabulous Women to raise $2,050.00 for this organization. Thank you to everyone who helped out. If you are interested in learning more about Mentor Me, please call:
(707) 778-4798. For those who could not make it, donations are gladly accepted. There is a tax write-off for this non profit organization.

The evening was hosted by Pam Torliatt. She was able to chat with the women about her candidacy for Supervisor. I’ve always applauded the fact that Pam is accessible to the public. It was a pleasure to have her join the Fabulous Women for this special cause. If you want to learn more about Pam’s campaign you can search: (www.vote4pam.net). The Fabulous Women is a non political group….but we strive to educate ourselves and look for opportunities to support fellow women in the community.

During the evening we had a special guest, Michael DuBois. Making his debut in Petaluma as a Wine Specialist / Distributor, he was kind enough to pour wine for the ladies. Because he was moved by the mission of the “Fabulous Women,” he has provided special pricing for our group. You may also contact him at:customwine@earthlink.net or call: (707) 766-6140. His new location is 307 Bodega Avenue. Michael and his manager, Alyssa Starbuck (a Fabulous Woman), would love for you to drop in. They would like to make more local connections.

First Gathering of 2010

I’m very excited about our first gathering of the year. Our own Fabulous Mayor, Pam Torliatt, has offered to help coordinate the event. She has heard about the fun, passionate, and service oriented women involved with this group and she wants to get to know us better. It’s also an opportunity to get to know her better. Pam would like to share what her goals are for the future and how she can be a positive force in the community.

Sometimes we have shared what cause our group has chosen to support……..and other times we have kept it a secret. Here are three things that you should know about the next community cause:
#1 It’s a Petaluma-based Organization.
#2 It involves children
#3 There are “Happy Endings”

I hope your heart and curiosity gets the best of you. Please join us!
The event will be January 22nd, @ 7:00pm.
The location is at: 10 Western Avenue, Petaluma CA, 94952

Please bring an appetizer or bottle of wine to share. To cut back on waste, please bring your own special wine glass. For those of you who have not attended one of our events, feel free to invite any of your friends that you think would enjoy it……..The more “Fabulous Women” the better!
This event will be on a Friday night. The first 30-45 minutes gives us a chance to socialize and relax. We will have a heart-warming surprise during the evening. Please save the date and join us for the fun! Every time this group gets together something special happens. See you there!

Please RSVP: 799-2153 or you can e-mail me @ Littlepepper16@hotmail.com

Update on December Activities

Happy New Year to all of the Fabulous Women! I hope you enjoyed your holiday festivities! The Winter Season is always a busy time……that’s why our group took a break during December. Although our group didn’t meet, the Fabulous Women adopted two kettles for the Salvation Army. Chantel Smith and Anastasia Schuster helped organize the shifts. We had a kettle outside of Copperfields and G&G Market. It was awesome because it was pouring rain on that particular day, and the ladies embraced the challenge. Some of them even brought their kids. The Fabulous Women raised the most money for Petaluma on that day. Thanks to everyone who put on their Santa hats, cozy coats and rain boots. It really demonstrated the wonderful spirit of our group!

Other Fabulous Events for the Season....

With the help of our Community Leader, Anastacia Schuster, Chantel Smith is organizing “The Fabulous Women” to ring the Salvation Army Bell during the holiday Season. Please call her if you are interested. It’s a great way to plug into the community. It’s also a great way for our kids to be involved in Community Service. Remember, all of the money raised for the Salvation Army stays in Petaluma. If you would like to participate, please call: 338-1302 or
e-mail Chantel: chantellylace707@hotmail.com

On a Fabulous Crafty Note, if you’re looking for a fun Holiday fair to pick-up some hand-crafted jewelry and holiday items, come to Verenna in Fountain Grove. It’s this Saturday, November 21st, from 1:00PM - 5:00PM. Some of our own Fabulous Women will be selling their crafts…..wreaths, holiday cones, swags, arrangements, jewelry, gift baskets, etc…. The building of Varenna is something out of a magazine. The grounds and decorations are awesome. It’s well worth your trip!
The fair will be in the Grand Ball Room! (on the 3rd floor) I hope you’ll stop by.

The address is 1401 Fountain Grove Parkway. Take the Bicentenial Way Exit.
Pass the Kaiser building, go up the hill, Bicentenial turns into Fountain Grove Parkway.

Fall Kindness with COTS

The Fabulous Women worked their magic this past month. We were able to look at homelessness from a new perspective. With the vision of Karen Nau , we were able to raise over $1100.00 to assist “The COTS Organization”. We were able to deliver a cart full of crock-pots along with custom-made recipe books. These crock-pots are being passed on to the transitional homes within the COTS Organization. Our goal as a group was to provide some love and comfort during the fall season. We were hoping to facilitate some life style changes by encouraging the clients to eat simply and nourish themselves. We were also able to hand over an envelope of money to their director. It’s a humble amount compared to their budget needs, but this group is making a difference. Thank you for your contributions. I did feel that warm fuzzy feeling when some of the COTS clients clapped their hands and asked if the crock-pots were for them?

*Special thanks to Shawn, Jonna, Karen, Heather and Maria for putting the beautiful cookbooks together. Thanks to all of you for sending in those delicious recipes!


If you’re looking for a way to help the COTS organization, they are in great need of volunteers to drive boxes of food to their clients. They have a “Wish List Coordinator,” named, Lyn, who can answer your questions about donations, and volunteering. (707) 765-6530 x. 111

Here are some key items that would really help the organization: Blankets, towels, sheets (twin), plain colored back-packs, plastic bins to carry food and gift cards to: Kohls, Safeway, K-Mart, Payless Shoes, Luckys, etc…..Also, check your pantry for extra canned goods!