The Fabulous Women ~

Quick Recap from our event for CJ!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:14:00 +0000

On behalf of the Banaszek Family and The Fabulous Women, we thank you again for coming out to support CJ. The event was a tremendous success! We had close to 800 swabbers, we raised $40,000 for the "Be the Match Foundation," and we experienced the love and generosity of our community. Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers and the generous merchants that donated their goods and services. We could not have done this without you!! It's hard to mention every business that made a donation for our raffle and auction, but your kindness touches our hearts. We are so proud. This was a wonderful community effort! We will continue to share updates about the results of our drive. Keep positive thoughts for CJ and finding a Donor Match.

Special thanks to Greg Gardea for sharing his craft with us. These are fantastic shots from CJ's event....
http://gregorygardeaphotography.zenfolio.com/p692094025/slideshow#h1b482f26

Update on Donor Drive April 7th for CJ!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:28:00 +0000

Just wanted to let you know that our plans are in full motion for a Donor Drive for CJ Banaszek. The Fabulous Women are organizing a day that is both family friendly and supportive to our friend. CJ is 11 years old, lives in Petaluma, and has a rare form of leukemia. The only way to cure this condition is to find someone that has a DNA match. CJ will need a bone marrow transplant. That is why we are asking the community to come to Petaluma Valley Athletic Club on April 7, 2012. Our goal for the day is to get as many people to show up and do a simple cheek swab.

In addition to the donor drive, the Fabulous women are planning a community fundraiser. It will be a family friendly event with incredible festivities. All the proceeds from this event will support "Be the Match Foundation."

The Petaluma Patch wrote a wonderful article about CJ and the Donor Drive planned for April 7th. Please use this link or click here to see it: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpetaluma.patch.com%2Farticles%2Fone-in-a-million&h=pAQG8U_WH

The Argus Courier is also running a special story on CJ ~ Please click here or use this link:
http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20120330/COMMUNITY/120339981/1362/community?p=1&tc=pg

If you are unable to attend the event on April 7th, you can use this link to order a swab kit or make a donation to "Be the Match Foundation." http://www.bethematchfoundation.org/site/TR?px=1822628&fr_id=1451&pg=personal

Thank you for your support of CJ & The Fabulous Women.

For more information, please click here or visit this link for the event flyer:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9XgWFfdvgG_SjhpOWFROXVUZzZld0xCUTU3UnZSUQ/edit?pli=1

Save the Date: April 7th Donor Drive for CJ

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:35:00 +0000

The Fabulous Women and Petaluma Valley Athletic Club will be sponsoring a bone marrow drive for our friend, named CJ. CJ is only 11 and has been diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia....We are optimistic that a bone marrow drive will help us find him a match. We will have a family friendly event at Petaluma Valley Athletic Club on Saturday, April 7th from 12 - 6 pm. We will help people get tested and added to the National Bone Marrow registry. We will also have a raffle, silent auction, tennis tournament, bake sale, t-shirt sales, Courage band sale, music, bbq, clown, jumpy house........and guess what.....we're just getting started!!! Watch for our event page...It's coming soon! In the meantime, save the date, and tell everyone in Petaluma (and beyond)!!

Please take a moment to read about CJ in the words of his parents

“One in a million” ~ This term beautifully captures the spirit of our 11 year old son, C.J. To know him is to love him. He sees the world in such a special way. He makes people around him better. His kind heart and his gentle spirit make him a gift to the world. Well, it was also a one in a million chance that our son would get diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia, called CML. It is unique to find CML in children. He is currently going through a session of targeted chemotherapy in an effort to get the disease into remission. Once in remission, he will need a bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant is the only cure for his Leukemia. C.J. has a grand heart and an awesome spirit. His courage will take him far, but what he really needs is our help. It is our time to give back to C.J. Please come and support our donor drive for C.J. We are committed to finding a match. Now more than ever we understand the power of community, “It takes a Village.”
Thank you for your participation, your prayers, and your positive energy,
Cas & Heather Banaszek

>>>>Click here to download the event flyer

Recap from Mary Ratto event and flyer for our new cause!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:17:00 +0000

Hello Fabulous Community!

Thank you so much for your wonderful attendance at the Mary Ratto
Event. Please read our recap and enjoy some of the wonderful detailed
gifts that unfolded in that evening.

Click here for recap flyer >> https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9XgWFfdvgG_OUhBQVZqMHhTZm1zNmFvWXZwdHF5Zw

Our Fabulous Women's Group has adopted a new cause. We are embracing
an 11 year old boy from Petaluma, named CJ Banaszek. He has leukemia,
and we are holding a donor drive to help find a bone marrow match for
him. He is family to the Fabulous Women.

Click here for CJ Flyer >>> https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9XgWFfdvgG_cWUwdWU1OTZUYUtnWHdUc2xFRS1Pdw

Please share these flyers with your family and friends!

Save the Date for our Next Event: Feb 24th!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:48:00 +0000

The Fabulous Women are diving into our next cause. The theme is “Courage.”

“There are moments in our lives that challenge us to be brave.....even when we don’t want to be.”

Our next cause demonstrates the love and courage of a special local woman. Come and connect to her inspirational story. A tale of courage always seems to inspire the heart….how perfect for February!

This will be a memorable night. Bring your girlfriends for some appetizers, wine, and friendly conversation! Everyone is welcome. Please be green and bring your own wine glass. Everyone is invited to bring an appetizer to share or your favorite beverage.

Date: February 24th @ 6:30pm
Location: 140 Second Street, Suite 108, in Theatre Square, Petaluma.
RSVP: Thefabulouswomen@gmail.com or call: Krista Gawronski @ 707 799-2153

Download the flyer >>>> here

For more information about this event, please read this article from Petaluma 360: http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20120215/COMMUNITY/120209531?p=1&tc=pg

Happy New Year to The Fabulous Women!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Art by Kelly Rae Roberts
I wish you the very best in 2012. Please take a look at our attachment. This gives you a complete rundown on all of the exciting things that happened in 2011. Wow! There were some amazing moments! The Fabulous Women are on course to do some more wonderful things in the new year. Please save the date, February 24th, for our next event. Count on coming down to our new space in Theatre Square where we hope to spread the message of community kindness! Details to be shared later this week.
We will send you an e-mail, but you can also get details on facebook: "Petaluma Fabulous Women"
and on our website: www.thefabulouswomen.com

>>>> CLICK HERE FOR 2011 RECAP

Blessings to you in 2012,

Krista Gawronski
President of the Fabulous Women
E-mail: the fabulouswomen@gmail.com

Hometown Heroes!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Picture a group of women gathered around a table, chatting, laughing, and savoring a plate of appetizers. After an hour or so,these ladies get down to business, discussing charities and how they can help. They're known as "The Fabulous Women of Petaluma". Started five years ago by Krista Gawronski, The Fabulous Women have grown from a handful of girlfriends, to a dynamic female force that has made a positive impact on our community. KZST now salutes Krista Gawronski for making a difference in Sonoma County. Together with the Exchange Bank we honor them by placing their names onto our honor roll of "KZST Hometown Heroes"

For more information on the Hometown Heroes, click here.

This week at A Vintage Christmas Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:34:00 +0000

Our opening night on December 3rd completely exceeded our expectations! We had close to 2,000 people come out to enjoy the festivities! The community responded with with such enthusiasm....To see all the families bundled up in their red sweaters and holiday scarves was truly fantastic! Our emcee, Petaluma Pete did a wonderful job! We had crafts for the kids, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, entertainment, local artisans, a holiday smores cart with cocoa and cider, and 40 amazing holiday trees!

Our goal for this event was to bring a new holiday tradition to Sonoma County. There's no doubt in my mind that the community was ready for something like this. Obviously, there are still two nights left.....We want to do our best to promote the information because all of the money raised will support three amazing charities: Petaluma Education Foundation, The Rwanda School Project & Mentor Me Petaluma.

Friday, December 9, 2011 / Emcee: Petaluma Pete
5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Viewing of the Christmas Trees
5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Santa Claus at “A Likely Story”
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Performance by Love 2 Dance All-Stars
(Tara Caprice-Broadwater)
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Family Portraits hosted at “Emma at
Home” By Victoria Webb Looking Glass Photography
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Performance by Highway Poets

Saturday, December 10, 2011 / Emcee: DJ Val
5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Viewing of the Christmas Trees
5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Music with James K
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Family Portraits hosted at “Emma at
Home” By Victoria Webb Looking Glass Photography
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Visit with Santa Claus
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Christmas Music with DJ VAL

Please join us!

The final lineup at A Vintage Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:10:00 +0000

This year on December 3rd, 9th and 10th, The Fabulous Women are introducing Sonoma County to"The Festival of Trees". This event in Downtown Theater Square (across from the Petaluma Cinema) will become an incredible holiday tradition for the community and your whole family!

Saturday, December 3, 2011 / Emcee: Petaluma Pete
5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Viewing of the Christmas Trees
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Pacific Empire Chorus (on stage)
6:30 p.m. Strolling Carolers perform throughout night
7:00 to 7:30 p.m. Center Stage Dance
7:30 p.m. Santa arrives with Mrs. Claus
7:45 p.m. Countdown from 10 to light the big tree
that the Fabulous Women decorated!

Friday, December 9, 2011 / Emcee: Petaluma Pete
5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Viewing of the Christmas Trees
5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Santa Claus at “A Likely Story”
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Performance by “Love 2 Dance All-Stars”
(Tara Caprice-Broadwater)
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Family Portraits hosted at “Emma at Home”
By Victoria Webb Looking Glass Photography
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Performance by “Highway Poets”

Saturday, December 10, 2011 / Emcee: DJ Val
5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Viewing of the Christmas Trees
5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Music with James K
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Family Portraits hosted at “Emma at Home”
By Victoria Webb Looking Glass Photography
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Visit with Santa Claus
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Christmas Music with DJ Val

For Holiday Portraits there is a $10.00 sitting fee. This will support our chosen charities. Come take a formal holiday portrait with your family or take playful portraits with your friends wearing Santa hats! You will receive free web ready downloads from Victoria Webb’s professional site and have the option to purchase all of your photos! Thank you Emma At Home for providing a warm backdrop for our photo session & thank you Victoria Webb for providing your creative services!

Come celebrate the season by visiting the tree in the square decorated by The Fabulous Women!

Thanks to our generous sponsors and wonderful entertainment!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:03:00 +0000

Thanks to our generous sponsors and wonderful entertainment!

Recap: Our fabulous celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:30:00 +0000

The Children's Zone featuring the Amazing BudderBall the Clown

October 22nd was the day that we launched our non ~ profit and it was truly special. I would like to thank all of the families that attended. I would like to thank all of the vendors that showed up with such beautiful presentations of food and wine, and I would like to thank Denise Looney for offering her beautiful venue, Sova Gardens, as the backdrop for this momentous occasion.

For those of you who were able to attend, I’m glad that you got to experience the symbolic ribbon cutting with Onita from the Petaluma Chamber. You also got hear from a few families that were touched by the Fabulous Women.

Listening to Brian Woznak talk about his battle with cancer and his challenge to manage his house payments during critical periods of chemo treatments was heart wrenching. It felt so good to know that The Fabulous Women supported his family during a difficult time. Today he is cancer free.

The crowd felt great emotion when we listened to Jeff Murray talk about their family’s loss of their two year old, Calli. We were able to hear about their tragedy and triumph to stop “Distracted Driving.”. Jeff was able to thank the crowd for their assistance when hospital bills were over-whelming and their family was trying to recover from their emotional loss and Ling’s injuries.

There were many pictures that were taken at the event. I appreciate that Joan Bunn represented the Argus / Petaluma 360 with an array of shots that capture the spirit of the day. Please click this link to view those photos.

Special thanks to Susan Bales for her amazing gift to the group!

Our next event: The Festival of Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:25:00 +0000

This year on December 3rd, 9th and 10th, The Fabulous Women are introducing Sonoma County to"The Festival of Trees". This event will become an incredible holiday tradition for the community and your whole family!

Enjoy performances by: Center Stage Dance ~ James K ~ Strolling - Carolers ~ Pacific Empire Chorus ~ The Highway Poets ~ Love To Dance ~ Shop local merchants and local crafters ~ See Mr. and Mrs. Claus ~ Sip Hot Cocoa ~ Take Holiday Portraits with Victoria Webb @ Emma at Home

With the support of Basin Street Properties and The Theatre Square, we will dedicate an amazing space to showcase decorated Christmas trees. The trees are decorated by local artisans and businesses.

We will kick off the event with a tree lighting ceremony on December 3rd.

The Highway Poets

The Highway Poets will perform on December 9th.

The decorated trees will be raffled and bid on by the public. All of the money raised will go toward three worthy charities:
Mentor Me Petaluma, Rwanda School Project & Petaluma Educational Foundation

We are currently seeking businesses to underwrite the cost of our trees. It's a wonderful way to support charity and get a tax write-off. It's also a great opportunity to market your business in Sonoma County!

Please contact: Melissa Becker at: 707 782-0123 / Krista Gawronski at: 707 799-2153
We are also on Face Book @ "Petaluma Fabulous Women"

Special thanks to these amazing local businesses who are supporting this event:

Time for some special Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:14:00 +0000

The reason that this group has taken off is because of the outstanding help of our Board Members and Advisory Committee.

Board Members: Krista Gawronski, Sandra Fetter, Erin Ascher, Michelle Silva, Kerry Peachy, Melissa Becker and Heather Banaszek.

Advisory Committee: Cas Banaszek, Dian Banaszek, Tami Gholson, Ellen Yant, Lyn Romstad, Denise Looney, Heather Elliot Hudson, Christy Kenyon, Karen Nau, & Val Montplaiser

Additional thanks to Thom Knudsen for his guidance and legal expetise in helping us turn non-profit!

Reminder: This Saturday is Our Fabulous Celebration!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:51:00 +0000

The Fabulous Women would like to thank Sonoma Preferred Catering, Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop, Tres Hombres, Beyond the Glory, Mary's Chicken and Pitman Farms, Lombardis', Encore Events, Budderball the Clown, Jubilee Jumps, DJ ~Val, The Workshop SF, Molly Moo's Icecream Truck, Elizabeth Baird Photography, DG Events, Nicasio Cheese Farm, Lagunitas, and Hahn Family Wines, and Sova Gardens for your participation in our upcoming non-profit celebration!!! It should be amazing!

We are looking forward to seeing you at this family event!

WHERE: Sova Gardens
5186 South Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol, CA
For directions, click here!

WHEN: Saturday, October 22, 2011

TIME: From 12:00-5:00 pm

WHO: You and your fabulous families!

WHAT: Fun, food, drink, music and celebration of our amazing organization and community!

Guests are being asked to bring one strand of white Christmas lights.

RSVP Krista Gawronski @ thefabulouswomen@gmail.com or call: (707) 799-2153

Oct 3 is proclaimed by the Mayor as The Fabulous Women's Day in Petaluma

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

In recognition of all the fundraising and support over the last 5 years in Petaluma, Mayor Glass proclaimed October 3rd, 2011 as The Fabulous Women's Day in Petaluma! What an honor for all of us who have participated over the years in making a difference in our community. This group is about bringing attention to simple acts of kindness....ordinary people doing extraordinary things!!

Here's some photos of some members of the Advisory Board accepting the honor at last night's City Council meeting.

The Fabulous Women Non-Profit Celebration -- October 22

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:25:00 +0000

On behalf of The Fabulous Women, I have some fantastic news to share. After five years of building strong relationships with the community, we are establishing ourselves as a non-profit. As you know, The Fabulous Women bring people together to socialize and support meaningful community causes. We do so with the intention to improve lives and empower the next generation. The success of this group has been phenomenal! Recognized by the Oprah Winfrey Show and highlighted in Women’s Day Magazine, this grassroots group has been called, “progressive and dynamic!” The Fabulous Women have a contemporary approach to philanthropy. We have married two important concepts: Local Spirit & Community Giving.

Please join us October 22nd for an amazing celebration. We will celebrate 5 years of giving and cut the ribbon for our new charity! This is such a special occasion. We want you to be there because somewhere along the way you cared enough to attend an event, support a cause, or cheer on the mission of our group. For that, we are grateful. A portion of the funds raised from this event will support the family of Georgene McGee. She was a Fabulous Woman in every sense of the word.

The event will be at Sova Gardens, 5186 South Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol, CA
family friendly ~ Bring the kids ~
Date: October 22nd Time: 12:00 – 5:00PM
We’ll have: Food, Beer, Wine, Cake ~ Walk, Entertainment & Inspiration!!
Live Music: “The Workshop San Francisco” Bluesy, Funk, Rock Band We’ll follow up with dancing with DJ Val!
Expect great fun for the whole family: A fantastic Photo booth experience will be available, Jubilee Jumps will be there, and our favorite clown, “Budderball” will be doing some fantastic face painting! Guests are being asked to bring one strand of white Christmas lights.

RSVP Krista Gawronski @ thefabulouswomen@gmail.com or call: (707) 799-2153

A Vintage Christmas with A Festival of Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 18:24:00 +0000

This year on December 3rd, 9th and 10th, The Fabulous Women are introducing Sonoma County to: A Festival of Trees This event will become an incredible holiday tradition for the community and your whole family! Let’s turn back the clock to simpler times ~ Families ~ Hot Cocoa ~ Carolers ~ Charity ~ and lots and lots of lights!!

With the support of Basin Street Properties and The Theatre Square, we will dedicate an amazing space to showcase decorated Christmas trees. The trees are decorated by local artisans, businesses and non-profits. Locals will be invited to observe the trees and enjoy some wonderful holiday activities. We will kick off the event with a tree lighting ceremony on December 3rd. The Fabulous Women are unveiling the signature tree in the middle of the beautiful fountain. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will join us for the festivities. There will be carolers, local artisans, entertainment, and food vendors. The local merchants in Theatre Square will be offering great promotions to add to the festivities! Address: 151 Petaluma Blvd. South Time: 5PM – 10PM on each night. The decorated trees will be raffled and bid on by the public. All of the money raised will go toward three worthy charities: Mentor Me Petaluma, The Rwanda School Project, and the Fabulous Women. The Fabulous Women will turn around and set up a grant for fine arts programs in local schools. We will do so by partnering with the Petaluma Educational Foundation. Schools from our community will have the opportunity to receive a grant for projects that support computer, music, library, art and band. This will no doubt be our signature event every year. It’s such a great way to celebrate the season of giving! For more information about decorating, volunteering, or becoming a vendor, please contact: Melissa Becker at: 707 782-0123 / Krista Gawronski at: 707 799-2153

Two Special Community Events in September - Mark your calendars!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Event #1: North Bay Women in Business: Friday September 16, 2011 - Sheraton Hotel, Petaluma
Come join an amazing group of local women for a day of inspiration, education and relaxation. The focus of this exciting event is to empower the economic, emotional, and physical well-being of North Bay women. Participants will be treated to a full day of activities, breakfast, breakout sessions, local resources, a fashion show by Athleta, lunch, tools and nutritious/delicious food to nourish their confidence and success. The day will wrap up with wine tasting and a raffle.

One of the day's highlights will be keynote speaker Louann Brizendine, MD, founder of the UCSF Women's Mood and Hormone Clinic and best-selling author of "The Female Brain" and "The Male Brain." This well-known neurobiologist and "sassy, witty, and reassuring" writer will share her insights on the always fascinating dynamics of male and female relationship.

Krista Gawronski will have an opportunity to tell the story about The Fabulous Women. She will talk about the rewards of charity and the value of bringing women together. Her session will engage your own curiosity about finding your own passion & purpose!

As a whole, the conference will cover the full range of entrees that fill modern women's plates—family, finance, food, fitness, business, beauty (inside & out), relationships, health, communication, nutrition ... The only thing missing from the menu is YOU!

$75 members/ $85 non-members ~ It will be a life changing day. Treat yourself to a day just for you!! For tickets, please contact the Petaluma Chamber (707) 762-2785

Event #2: 2011 West Coast Art Trunk: Saturday, September 24, 2011, 6:00pm – 9:00pm - Sheraton Hotel, Petaluma

The 2011 West Coast Art Trunk will be a mixed media feast of color, texture, and original art. This gathering of 40 vendors will be selling finished art such as collages, assemblages, art quilts, steam punk jewelry and altered art. They will also be selling supplies such as art papers, kits, beads, frippery, collage sheets, fibers, yarns, fabrics, unique vintage items and original flea market finds.

The 2011 Charity is "The Fabulous Women" who in turn are then granting the money to COTS (Community on the Shelterless) children. Browse and mingle with a glass of wine. There is no charge, but we are asking for a donation to support kids from COTS. They will be given scholarships to do art therapy. What a beautiful tie in! The art community will bless some children with an opportunity to create and heal.

Cash Bar and local Cheeses will be available for all to enjoy. For more information, visit www.art-is-you.com

Update on our last meeting - Rwanda School Project

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:26:00 +0000

Thank you to all of the women who joined us for the Fabulous night at Melissa Becker's house. Spending time together was fantastic, learning about the Rwanda School Project was inspirational and listening to Robin Strickler was moving! This was particularly sentimental to all of the Fabulous Women and teachers that recently went to Rwanda and met the kids first-hand.

Between shopping for unique handmade gifts and the generous donations put into the can, we raised $1,000 for the cause!

Part of the proceeds from The Festival of Trees will benefit The Rwanda School Project. We are proud of this global connection.

2 small ways you can help the McGowan/Cox Family

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:50:00 +0000

A Memorial Request ~Danny’s mom, Maureen, has reached out to The Fabulous Women. She's asked The Fabulous Women to supply the food at the community reception, this Sunday, August 14 at 3pm at The Mystic Theater.
What you can do:
- Email me a message at Littlepepper16@hotmail.com to let me know what you can contribute.
- Bring your dish to the Mystic Theatre by 3pm on Sunday for a community reception.

There will be a memorial at 1pm at Petaluma High's Athletic Track. The reception will follow afterwards. Thank you for the generosity and support of this family. They are overwhelmed, but they are very grateful.

Friday, August 19th ~ Wear Yellow and Black for Danny Day~The whole community is grieving. Whether you knew him or not.....everyone felt connected to Danny's story. We were all vested in Danny's recovery. To know that tragedy has struck the family more than once is heartbreaking. Because his loss takes on different meaning for everyone, the campaign to wear yellow and black becomes symbolic of openly sharing grief. It's a way to show his family that we are behind them. Everybody wants to do something helpful and this simple gesture might offer healing to the McGowan / Cox Family. On August 19th when you see someone you don't know wearing yellow and black, it will quietly affirm love for Danny and it will show solidarity within this amazing community.

With great sadness....

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:25:00 +0000

It is with great sadness in our hearts that we acknowledge the devastating loss of Danny Cox. On behalf of all The Fabulous Women, we send Maureen and her family love and prayers. Every single person in this community was touched by his story and we cared about his recovery. We are all fortunate to have had the opportunity to show him some love. We will never forget Danny ~ God Bless

We're making a difference locally...Now learn about our global cause!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:52:00 +0000

The Fabulous Women have been very passionate about supporting “The Rwanda School Project.” If you would like to know more about this effort, Robin Strickler, the principal of the school, will be speaking at Melissa Becker’s house. The date is August 12th. We will meet at 6:30pm. It will be a relaxed evening by the pool. Bring a girlfriend, an appetizer or bottle of wine to share. Be inspired about our global cause and learn about the details of our signature event that we’re planning for December, “The Festival of Trees!” Melissa and a group of teachers just visited the school in June. You can read about her trip on Petaluma 360. http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20110708/COMMUNITY/110709525/1374/COMMUNITY0301?Title=Raising-hope-in-Rwanda

Melissa’s address is: 18 Iverson Way, Petaluma. Please RSVP for this evening: Melissa Becker ~ melissadragonfly@gmail.com

Thank you for your help at the Rivertown Revival!

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Thank you to all of the Fabulous Women who came out to the Rivertown Revival. Everybody had such incredible spirit and enthusiasm! Thanks for the props, the wine, the snacks, the ice and the help! The VIP tent looked amazing! You guys made it so fun!

Goodbye to our dear friend, Georgene McGee

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:47:00 +0000

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that one of our own Fabulous Women has passed away. Georgene McGee was a lovely and vivacious woman. She was involved with planning of the event for COTS out at Karen Nau’s Pumpkin Farm. She really encompassed “Fabulous” in her daily life. Georgene leaves behind 4 kids ranging from 11 years old to 22. She has a loving husband named Patrick that is overwhelmed with grief. He has been struck pretty hard with the economic woes. I thought it would be nice to put a gift basket together for her family on behalf of Fabulous Women. I will be collecting gift cards, letters of encouragement, and any other thoughtful items through July 14th. You don’t have to know the family to understand the gravity of the loss for the McGees’. Please keep Patrick, Shane, Ashley, Danielle, and Jacqueline in your heart.

~ If you would like to help, I will accept donations at my home or at Mr. Pickles.
The family has set up a Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo. Checks can be made out to: The Georgene McGee Memorial Fund. You can walk into any branch and make a deposit, or I can include the check with the gift basket.

Upcoming Events in the Community - Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:43:00 +0000

RiverTown Revival
The Fabulous Women are going to support the 2nd Annual RiverTown Revival. It is on Saturday, July 30th. Organized by “The Friends of the Petaluma River,” this historical themed festival will be engaging for the whole community. It will offer fun and nostalgia. The event includes a boat race, parade, floating art barges, $5.00 weddings, local music, art, food and drink, a kid’s area and over 40 fabulous local vendors. The River Town Revival has an “Americana” theme, so everybody is encouraged to pull out their bustles, suspenders and crinolines! The funds raised will support the preservation of River Heritage Center and some wonderful educational programs. The Fabulous Women will have the “daunting task” of organizing and hosting the VIP Captain’s Quarters. With the best location, view and shade, we’ll be providing a fun place for guests to rest, nibble and enjoy some libations. We are looking for props that will help our VIP experience like: nets, old chess /checker boards, drop cloths, wine barrels, and nautical props. If you have any of these items for our Captain’s Quarters, please call Krista @ 707 799-2153. What a fabulous day it will be!! Hope to see you out there!

Art is You!

In response to our article in Woman’s Day Magazine, our group was spotted by a national art conference group in New York. They will be conducting an art conference in Petaluma on September 22nd – 26th. The Fabulous Women will be invited to the Sheraton for the public portion of the conference. We will enjoy wine and cheese and enjoy the art trunk show. We’ll see amazing creations ranging from collages, steam punk jewelry, vintage art, quilts, and paintings. There is no fee for the evening, but donations will be accepted. The proceeds from this event will be given to “The Fabulous Women.” Our charity is going to turn around and grant scholarship money for the children of COTS (Community on the Shelterless) to participate in the programs provided by the Petaluma Arts Center. Now that is Fabulous! Mark your calendars for September 24th. For more information, visit: www.art-is-you.com

Festival of Trees
Start a new holiday tradition. Bring your family and friends to Petaluma’s Downtown Theatre District. Come share in this amazing family holiday experience!
View beautifully decorated trees ~ sip cocoa with your kids ~ visit local shops ~ listen to carolers ~ vote for your favorite decorated tree ~ enjoy entertainment ~ do your holiday shopping.

*All trees and ornaments on display are available for purchase, bidding & raffle.

Opening night will be December 3rd from 5:00 PM – 10:00PM.
(Tree lighting over the Theatre district Fountain)
We will re-open on December 9th and 10th from 5:00 PM – 10:00PM.

The funds raised will be given to several charities: Mentor Me Petaluma, The Rwanda School Project, and Fine Arts Programs for Petaluma Schools.

We are now seeking volunteers for this event. Please let us know if you are interested in working on a committee: marketing and publicity, community outreach, vendors, entertainment, food and beverage, or decoration. The Fabulous women will also be decorating the big tree in the fountain of Theatre Square. Want to help?
For sign-ups, please e-mail: Melissa Becker ~ melissadragonfly@gmail.com