Shopping for a good cause

The Superior 4-H building was transformed into a cute little boutique over the weekend. Shoppers, mostly women, although the occasional husband wandered in, were able to peruse gently used clothing, jewelry and accessories at the Booby Boutique. Complete with mirrors and strung lights, the inside of the 4-H building was set for shoppers.

Deb Moeller and Geri Lincoln, two members of the Relay for Life Moonwalkers for the Cure team came up with the idea. Maureen "Muffy" Bullock said that the two gals were cleaning out their closets back in March and had a lot of "cute stuff" that they didn't wear anymore and wondered if someone they could turn a yard-sale event into a "fun ladies' night for a good cause."

Julie Wolff was just one of the shoppers to visit the boutique over the course of two days, last Friday and Saturday. Wolff said that one of the reasons she decided to come out was to spend money toward a good cause.

"I just wanted to come out and help," Wolff said.

Wolff said her mother also battled breast cancer and so she said she felt that she should come out and do her part, having been affected by cancer in her life even if it was indirectly. Of course, there were also lots of racks to sort through and several goodies to snack on. The silent auction added a unique element to the boutique.

"Its lots of fun," Wolff said, who went away with a bag of new, yet gently used clothes.

Bullock was busy throughout the days, turning off lights to signal door prize drawings and also going through and tagging prices onto the items. Bullock said she certainly tried to make it look and have a cute, boutique feeling. She felt that the overall event was a success.

"We had very generous clothing donations and then a really good turnout for the event," Bullock said.

Bullock said that some team members were hoping they would cleat $1,000 with the event. Bullock said that personally she was hoping to make at least $2,000. The ladies turned out to exceed both expectations. Bullock aid they ended up clearing over $2,400.

"We wanted this to be our primary team fundraiser for Relay for Life. We have 15 team members and have a goal of $100/member. We exceeded this and still have a couple of smaller fundraisers. Maybe we will double our goal," Bullock said.

"The purpose of the fundraiser was not only to raise money, but to raise awareness about cancer," Bullock said."...you commit not only to walking but to fundraising for cancer research and to raising awareness."

Funds raised from the Booby Boutique will go to the American Cancer Society. Funds are not just allocated for breast cancer as the name might suggest. Bullock said that the name was inspired by Moonwalkers for the Cure's team captain Jerri Bullock, who is a breast cancer survivor.

"Also, since it was all ladies' clothing and items and was designed for a girlfriends' night to ‘sip n shop,' the name seemed appropriate and catchy," Bullock said.

Relay for Life will be held July 9 and 10, beginning at around 5 p.m.