Just in case you weren't part of Gypsy Soiree last year, and you're wondering how much fun it was, here are a few comments I received after the party:

"What a spectacular event!!!!!!! I am in awe of your wonderful talents for decorating and your unbelievable hospitality. That was the most unusual , beautiful event I have ever attended. I was showing the photos to my mother and she said you should charge people to come. The belly dancing was incredible. the fire dancer was crazy cool. Thank you so much for including me." Laurie S.

"THAT was beyond compare!"  Connie C.

"Better than any Hollywood party!"  

If you're thinking about coming, but don't really know anyone who is attending, bring a friend along (although you'll make new friends too)!

Gypsy Soiree II

It's time for Gypsy Soiree II

Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014

6pm - whenever!

16717  261st Ave., Big Lake

This is a party with a purpose!
(other than spending time with women who we don't see often enough!)

Last year's party was a smashing success!  The women who attended ranged in age from 1 year old, to about 65 years old and we thoroughly enjoyed being in the midst of such a fabulous group of women.  We laughed, we learned to belly dance, we were entertained by a fabulous fire dancer and delighted over the magic of the late summer evening.  And a whole carload of items was donated for the homeless shelter too!  It's now an annual event and we're all looking forward to September already!

This all began when my daughter and I attended a gypsy-themed party and thought it would be so much fun to have one ourselves.  Then we thought "why don't we DO something with this party?"  

Since Gypsies of lore are typically homeless and travel light, we decided to help out a homeless shelter and would appreciate donations of things you want to bring along. 

We are supporting Project Secure ~ a program run through Head Start which services all Minneapolis shelters -Project for Pride, Mary's Place, and the Drake are the main three. 

 Not sure what to donate??  Think YOUNG MOTHERS!!

The majority of those we are helping are under the age of 28 and are currently living IN a homeless shelter.

The needs for people living in poverty and in a homeless shelter are very specific. They need personal care items that are not eligible to be bought with food stamps; items like tampons, panty liners, shampoo, baby powder, diapers, baby ointment, teething gel, teething toys, band aids, Kleenex, real Q-tips.

These are also people that have to use a laundromat to do any of their washing, so soap and quarters are really important. 

Underwear that is new for every size person is always needed. 

Fresh white socks!

Things for mothers that they can't afford to buy for themselves, like personal accessories, ponytail holders, scarves, earrings, a wallet, a backpack, or youth oriented sweet perfumes.

Toys that kids can carry in their hands -

Barbies with clothes, toy trucks, soft animals that are small (think of all those nice Beanie Babies that you see for a quarter at garage sales!).

Birthday party supplies are so appreciated (can you imagine not being able to give your child even a small birthday celebration?).

Just think about what YOU would need or want if you were in this situation, and bring your BEST!  
If you have gently used, nice clothing you no longer need, that's appreciated too.

Just what happens at a Gypsy Soiree??

Other than spending time among an eclectic group of women, chair massages and henna tattoos will be available for a donation (to cover the party expenses and any extra will go to the shelter), and we'll have a Reiki Master here too!

 Belly dancing fun begins at 7:30 ~ Yes, you can!!  Last year we had a fabulous group belly dancing lesson and it was so much fun.

This year we're having a fire dancing GROUP perform for us too.  If you've never seen fire dancing in person, you're in for a treat!

If you want to spend the night, bring an air mattress (for inside) or tent, etc.  We might have limited room for a camper or two.

Please also bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

We'll supply beverages (although more is always appreciated!).

...and of course bring a friend or two if you'd like - the more the merrier!