Why Host an EWI Jewelry & Art Home Party?

Simple, because it’s fun! “It’s for a good cause and you get some truly unique things, says Ann Stone, EWI’s Chair Emeritus, who has been hosting home parties to benefit EWI for more than five years.

“I have some fussy friends who bug me all year long as to when EWI’s Party will be again…they bought unique items for themselves that folks comment on all year long. I have other friends who say that their friends tell them the gift they bought here was their favorite!

On Nov 20th, over 25 friends attended our fifth annual jewelry and art home party graciously hosted by Ann at her residence in Alexandria, VA. It was great to see past supporters from Ann’s circle of friends along with new supporters, enthusiastic people looking to make a difference in our community by investing in women’s livelihoods.

As I continue to talk to various people who host home parties and buy gifts from EWI, I always hear the phrase, EWI’s women’s art is really special. Why, you may wonder?

Well, not only because it’s unique and handmade locally, but it carries a powerful message, and it helps some in need now. It gives the end consumer an opportunity to reflect on ways in which we all can contribute today to helping one another overcome challenging times.

Host an EWI jewelry and art home party in 2010 and see the difference. Email Marga to book a party or learn more.

Henna Party with EWI

Gowri, Danielle, Katie at their henna party

An Interview with Gowri, the hostess of a henna party to benefit EWI

1. How did you come to find our about the opportunity to host a henna party?

When I first met Sharmila a few months ago, I asked her if she ever does henna parties and she said yes. I then told her that I’d recently moved into a house with some roommates and was planning to do an all women’s lunch at some point to introduce my friends to each other. It seemed like a great idea to also have Sharmila over to do henna and to use the opportunity to raise money for EWI.

2. What motivated you to host a fundraiser henna party?

I am pretty good about making charitable donations to various organizations whose missions are in line with my values. However, I’ve never hosted a fundraiser before. Because it was so informal and there weren’t many (or any) “hoops” to jump through before hosting it, it came together very naturally and felt more like organizing any other get-together with friends who share common interests than a more formal fundraiser.

3. What did you do to make your house fundraiser a success?

Invited lots of wonderful women who I knew would appreciate supporting such a great organization; had a small buffet of Indian food and champagne mixed drinks for refreshment; and continuously walked around to talk about EWI with the guests and gently remind them where the donation table was located (just inside the front door — with pamphlets on EWI and an email sign-up sheet).

4. How did your friends who come to this felt?

Everyone loved it and I heard talk of other friends wanting to host similar events. It was also a wonderful afternoon of female bonding.

5. If you would host another fundraiser in the future, would you do anything differently?

All I would do differently is invite more people!

Gowri Koneswaran

The Humane Society of the United States