Best place for new info and updates...

Where's the best place to get new, updated info on this year's Gypsy Soiree??

Either the 

Gypsy Soiree Facebook Page

or, if you're not on Facebook,

The new blog

Dawn is fantastic about keeping people updated with this year's Gypsy Soiree happenings. The best place to find out the latest info is either on the Facebook page or her blog.

This year's beneficiary of your goodness!

I am so excited and honored to announce the beneficiary of the proceeds made at Gypsy Soiree will be given to Athena's Sisters!

Located in Louisville Kentucky, Lindsay Gargotto, a USAF veteran founded this organization for her fellow service sisters.

I felt very strongly about this organization when I discovered it. Having personal relationships with women in the service, there was a calling for me to research more. Athena's Sisters projects and mission are amazing! You can check out their Facebook page here. Please take a moment and check out the awesome organization your donations will support!

Our Mission:
Athena’s Sisters creates revolutionary programming and partnerships to advance the mental and physical wellness for all active duty and veteran women.

~ Dawn

New Beginnings!

All good things must come to an end...or at least a new beginning!

So it goes for Gypsy Soiree.  

After four wonderful events, I've decided it's time to pass the torch, and have given it all to a guest who was interested in continuing the party at her home. She drove away from here with two vehicles packed full of supplies...tent, lights, fabric, decor, candles, chairs...right down to the zip ties I so famously held so much of it all together with!

Dawn is planning the next Gypsy Soiree for September 29, 2018 at her home near Elk River (a little bit closer to the cities for those attending).  She's taken over the Gypsy Soiree Facebook page, so follow it there for frequent updates (I'm not sure if I can give her access to update this blog or not, but I'll post her info here too for those who aren't on Facebook). 

I'm so excited for this to continue and am delighted with Dawn's enthusiasm for the project. It's going to be great, and so fun to see another's twist on her own party.

So Close!!

We are getting SO close to this magical event...almost my every waking moment is consumed with thoughts, ideas, or projects related to it (and I love it)!

There are a few things you should be aware of if you're planning to attend:

1) This event is a fundraiser...while we usually ask for physical donations for a homeless shelter, this year it's slightly different. We're supporting Open Doors for Youth (a drop-in resource center for homeless young adults in the area) and currently their biggest need is financial, so rather than spending money on donated goods, bring some cash or a check made out to Open Doors for Youth. I'll have tax deduction forms available for you. There is a short list of items they do need if you'd rather donate goods, the list is HERE.

2) Please bring either an appetizer or dessert, and it doesn't have to be a huge amount! Think outside the deli veggie tray and bring something yummy to share. We supply beverages, plates, etc.

3) This is not a baby/kid-friendly event, there are lots of breakables and open candles and not really anything for kids to do. I'd say if they're 10+, well behaved and able to keep occupied without being bored, that's ok (photos you  may see of babies/toddlers at the previous parties are my granddaughters...they come, have some photos taken and then dad takes them home!). This is a night for you to get away and "be someplace different." 

4) We'll have massage, henna, jewelry and hair/makeup booths where you can be pampered a little or treat yourself to a cool new bangle, or become a little more "gypsy-fied" for the evening. And we have live entertainment...Dance Caravan is coming again and we have some live music too! And perhaps a cool surprise or two...

5) Our next-door neighbors have graciously offered their long driveway for parking, so park where you can. There is some space available in the front part of our yard by the road too.

There are driving directions HERE. We're five miles straight west of Zimmerman, so plan your travel time accordingly. You can arrive any time after 5pm.

6) You can camp overnight if you want to! We have plenty of room for tents in the back meadow area, or bring an air mattress and sleep in the house. Some ladies do spend the night, and we have a fun, relaxing gypsy breakfast in the morning (they bring breakfast foods to share also). It's actually one of the things I really look forward to!

7) Bring your sense of fun, adventure, and prepare for a magical, relaxing evening! Wear your finest gypsy attire too!

See you soon!

As I count down to the final three weeks until Gypsy Soiree IV, and get things firmed up, I'm very happy to announce that Carollyn from Butterfly's Massage (Cambridge, MN) will be providing chair massages at Gypsy Soirée!

We also have a professional henna artist, Greta, coming from Hopkins!

And Dawn will be here with her amazing jewelry, and Dance Caravan is providing entertainment...

The weather forecast is still looking fantastic too!

Ladies...feel free to bring your friends to the magic, it's going to be a great night!

Why?

Sometimes people ask me why..."why do you have a Gypsy Soiree to help support others, especially people you don't even know and will probably never even meet?"

My best answer is..."because I can!"

I believe in being generous, in any way possible, as often as possible (it's the best way to live!). I have the space, I have the ideas, I have the ability and desire, I have the creativity, and I have the "stuff" to create it, so why not?

I also want to create a magical night because, let's face it, how often in your lifetime do you get to go to a truly magical event, one that you'll remember for years, especially an event that "does some good" at the same time? It's that cool!

But I don't do it alone!! No way, that's not possible. The people who come and help create Gypsy Soiree donate their time and talents too (our photographer, massage therapist, reiki master, belly dancers, henna, hair & makeup, setup and takedown, etc.). 

They want to be part of the magic too (often, people just need to be asked to share their gifts), and I appreciate each and every one of them. 

There are so many reasons TO have Gypsy Soiree, I hope you'll join us!

Donation List

I just posted a new donation list for this year's Gypsy Soiree, go to the Donation Ideas page (at the top) and you can print it out for yourself (although this year, monetary donations are what they need most).