Designing Women Boutique introduces GroundWorks

    SARASOTA, FL, February 02, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Designing Women Boutique is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic alliance with six Sarasota charitable organizations to increase fundraising and create scholarships and mentoring opportunities for area students.

Known as GroundWorks, the initiative is the inspiration of Jean Weidner-Goldstein, a DWB co-founder and a steering committee member. The program's goal is to harness the considerable sales power of the upscale consignment boutique and its estate liquidation services to increase ongoing education funds for the benefit of six local non-profit organizations.

Initial participating organizations include Girls Inc., The Out-of-Door Academy, Ringling College of Art & Design, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and The Sarasota YMCA. The GroundWorks concept allows these groups to solicit donations from their own donor bases of high-end accessories, jewelry, handbags and art to be consigned on a VIP status through DWB. Each group will receive a major split of the proceeds to be used to fund their designated scholarships. DWB will target their minor share of sales to further its annual grants programs that benefits local arts and human services organizations. In addition, DWB will expand its online sales department and add a staff position to manage the program.

"Designing Women Boutique has had the good fortune of having the means to grant more than $2 million dollars since we opened our doors in 2001," said Ms. Weidner-Goldstein. "We'd like to use our success to support the efforts of other non-profits groups who are also doing good works. By joining forces in this unique way, we can help them fund scholarships and increase our ability to grant. Much thought and planning has gone into the development of GroundWorks, and we are excited about its potential to benefit so many in our community. The power of each becomes the power of the many."

One of the most innovative aspects of GroundWorks is its opportunities for mentoring and internships. The six participating charities may select recipients to serve in a hands-on internship program at the DWB shop as well as mentor relationships in industries represented by DWB board members, including finance, marketing, legal, real estate and business. The charities will also provide opportunities for student internships within their individual organizations.

GroundWorks will be directed by a steering committee that includes JeanWeidner-Goldstein, Janice Zarro, Ida Zito, Margaret Wise, Linda Gross and Martha Harrison and staff members Marisa Fowler and Paula Kee. Participating groups work in concert with DWB to organize promotional events such as online sales and an Annual Luxury Consignment Retail Fair.

Organizers are working to finalize plans for GroundWorks and the program began in early 2018.

About Designing Women Boutique

Established in 2002, Designing Women Boutique is Sarasota's premier non-profit boutique featuring upscale fashions, jewelry, fine art and home goods. They also offer concierge estate liquidation and downsizing services. Through their sale of consigned, donated and new merchandise as well as sponsorships, donations and other fundraising activities, DWB has granted over $2.5 million to more than 75 local recipients. Their mission is to grow funding for the benefit of Sarasota's arts and human services organizations.

DWB is located at 1226 North Tamiami Trail. For information, call 941-366-5293 or go to DesigningWomenSRQ.org.

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