To Haiti From Lawrenceville With Love. Event Raises $5,000 For Haiti's Orphans

On Saturday, February 27, the downtown Lawrenceville community and beyond came together along with Peters Path Store to help "Love A Child." The 501(c)3 nonprofit Christian Humanitarian organization is working to reduce poverty in Haiti and offering a home to orphaned children there. The silent auction and wine tasting was held from 7 pm to midnight at Sperata's on the Square. The evening raised nearly $5,000 from ticket sales, live and silent auctions and a raffle as well. In addition to the great food and drink, the evening featured live music and dance performances by National Champion Southern Belles from City Center in Snellville. The highest ticket auction item sold was an electric guitar signed by Billy Joel and Elton John, which netted a cool 1K for Haiti's orphans. Special thanks to Dominic Stanley, photographer and Brittany at Cocktail Cupcakes who donated her baked concoctions in strawberry lime and chocolate to the evening. They were a big hit! Also thanks to "Sweets on the Square" who donated 2 yummy cheesecakes, and Speratas who did a fabulous job, as well. Of course, we can't forget Lucy and Larry Troutman, who were awesome auctioneers and Guy Valcourt and Michael Samnik, our speakers.
Money is still being raised through t-shirt sales on our website. We will also be collecting emergency items at the store to ship to Haiti. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this event a success and contributed to helping kids in Haiti.

This roving reporter needs a Baggallini asap. And Peters Path's got 'em!

When Ronda at Peters Path showed me their new line of handbags the other day, all I could think of was the value of time. That's every second, minute and even hour I might save every month if only I had a Baggallini!

While I love the fashion statement my black bag with the big rhinestone peace sign makes, I do have those moments of disorganizational despair. It happens once a day while searching for a pair of glasses at the bottom of what feels like a bottomless pit. Or trying to remember which of its 3 inner pockets I stored my lip gloss.

The makers of Baggallini obviously understand my "postpurse syndrome." After all, I read they used to be flight attendants and know what women on-the-go need. So they created these purses, tote bags and travel accessories to help you compartmentalize just about every aspect of your life.

Got cards? There's a place for those. Got make-up? There's a place for that. Designer shades? No problem. And not just any little pocket, but a sneaky, clever little spot you'd never expect. While Baggallinis come in several shapes and sizes (retail 25.00-75.00), even the smallest of styles truly pack a bunch!

The creators of Baggallini tout these handbags as both fashionable and functional. In other words, they look as good as they perform. Well known for distinctive color palettes, fun fabrics and lightweight durability, Baggallinis are just plain fun to carry.

As a roving reporter always thinking about my next blog post, tweet or Facebook pic, I like the ones that have compartments for my camera and new My Touch 3G (cell). My only problem with Baggallini is deciding which one is perfect for MY needs. There are just so many styles and colors to choose from.

I hope I pick one soon before my ultimate Baggallini is gone...And now, if you'll excuse me, I have a set of keys to fish out of the bottom of my purse.

It takes a village. Peters Path Store organizes a silent auction fundraiser for orphans in Haiti

The pieces are coming together for our fundraiser for Haiti's orphans (Help. Hope. Love) Last week, our group met at the shop to divide and conquer. So happy to have so many talented people and industry leaders such as Emory Morsberger involved. Here is our awesome logo. Plus a flyer, from Blake Bartlett Dunn and Heather Bartlett Kohberger of City Center Dance. After MUCH time J, I have figured out how to sell these on our website. Here is link: http://www.peterspathstore.com/haiti-benefit/haiti-orphanage-fundraiser-tickets/store/product.aspx?id=269

Also, here is the blog page that wonderful Lizzie loaded. Things are coming along nicely, thanks to everyone in our village!

News Bits from Peters Path Store

Announcing the deals you've waited for!
Winter Closeout Sale! Sale ends January 31st.
Your favorite styles at great prices. (In-store only.)
40% off Coats & Sweaters
30% off Jeans
25% off Home Decor
20% off Alternative Apparel
10% off Belts & Scarves


A call for help for Haiti from our Peters Path Store's founder, Christine Peters
Nine days ago a tragic earthquake hit Haiti. Like everyone around the world, all of us at Peters Path have desperately wondered what we could do to help. So, we've decided to have a dinner fundraiser. I have lots of ideas to make this a success as my goal is to raise as much $ as possible. After all, Haiti's going to need help for a long time. Their lives have been torn apart in ways that seem unimaginable to me--physically, financially, emotionally & probably spiritually as well. The future of their country & people is dependent on the support & donations of others & every little bit makes a difference.

My evolving ideas include making & distributing " change collectors" in local businesses until the end of February. They will each have an explanation of the mission; to collect extra & spare change to help Haiti. The business or group that collects the most, will get some sort of recognition. This could perhaps be done with local Girl Scout & Boy Scout Troops as well or other groups/ teams in area that anyone may have an affiliation with.

As for the 2/27 fundraiser at Sperata's. I need to sit down with Amy there & work out the details for selling dinner tickets and offering a silent auction as well. I'd love to find a local celebrity to come speak, to help draw attention to the event & drive ticket sales, but I have no connections so will have to look into that. If any of you all do; please let me know. I'm also hoping for a band that would volunteer their talent for the cause. In addition, PRIZES for silent auction are needed!! Gift certificates, art, sport tickets, services, etc. No prize is too small & we can combine items in gift baskets to bid on also.

Any individuals or businesses who can help would be listed in any material that we print up for event. I have never planned any event like this, nor have I any fundraising experience. I need as much help as possible. This is not "my" event, I would love for it to be Lawrenceville's event. Anyone that enjoys this type of planning would be more than welcomed to help me, direct me,or guide me. Please feel free to forward this to anyone you know, who may be able to help at all.

There is not a lot of time to waste, but tight time constraints many times lead to most productive results. So, please consider how you could help us in this effort for the people of Haiti. You could leave comments after this blog post or contact the shop at info@peterspathstore.com or call 770-910-7722.

Fondly,
Christine Peters
Peters Path Corporation
www.peterspathstore.com

Fit to be tied. Beautiful scarves that benefit a woman's life.
Peters Path Store is now selling gorgeous hand woven scarves that benefit Woodsmoke. By purchasing a Woodsmoke product you are directly helping an African artist and his/her family.

This spring we would like to give a child in Africa the opportunity to a better life. Miriam Kamanthe was our first artist that started working with Woodsmoke. She is an amazing person and has built a vibrant little business in Nairobi, Kenya. Woodsmoke’s goal is to support education in Africa.

We have worked out that it will cost $450 to educate one of Miriam Kamanthe’s children for a year in Africa. This $450 includes books, school clothes, and school fees. Woodsmoke is pledging to donate 5 percent of sales from our scarves towards educating Christopher, Miriam’s son. That means that we have to sell 258 scarves to educate Christopher for a year. Here at Woodsmoke we will work tirelessly around the clock to make this happen.

Woodsmoke's goal is to sell 258 scarves by March 9th so that we will have enough money to educate one of Miriam Kamanthe’s children for a year. To help Woodsmoke achieve their goal, purchase a scarf at Peters Path Store.

These boots were made for networking at Peters Path Store

The second Thursday night of January was a tad chilly in Lawrenceville, GA. But that didn't stop the droves of well heeled Gwinnetian women from coming out to Peters Path Store's first shindig of 2010.

They'd learned of the event as readers of Peter's Path blog, as Facebook fans, Twitter followers and friends who just can't get enough of the latest fashions at the stylish boutique in the downtown square.

Adorned in sleek boots, scarves, winter coats and skinny jeans, the femmes in their 20's-60's came for some new year's cheer. Not to mention a little pre-promised motivation from Kim Cosette, Certified Professional Organizer and Elizabeth Jaeger, personal fitness trainer.

To get the party started, PPS's hostesses with the mostesses, Christine Peters and Ronda Balfe catered in tres cute kitchy snacks. (The unexpected tex mex shrimp dip and BBQ meatballs get two thumbs up from this writer, btw.) And next to the hors d's spread was a sweet little wine bar of reds, whites and pinks, plus a cooler below for suds sippin' chicks.

"I enjoy having these events because I love introducing my friends to people I think they'd enjoy knowing," explains Christine Peters, President/Founder of Peters Path Store. "I think everybody has a unique story and gift to share."

Case in point, one such tale was shared by a Lawrenceville woman who said her spouse had been laid off. Her personal networking consisted of distributing his "handyman" business cards. The group roared when she pleaded, "Please give my husband some work and help get him out of the house!"

Other highlights of the evening included nutritional food and grocery shopping advice from fit and svelte Elizabeth Jaeger. (If you're looking for someone to get you off your duff, I sense that fitoutsidethebox@yahoo.com just might be your girl. ) The ultra self-disciplined fitness trainer suggested that even women who don't commute to work should pack a cooler when running long errands. "Put carrots and healthy snacks in it," she said. "That way you won't be tempted to stop for fast food."

Continuing the food theme of the evening, Kim Cossette, professional organizer explained how to tidy up your kitchen. "We take up a lot of unneeded room there with big gadgets we never use," she explained. "We need to become more conscious of our space, claim it and make it our own. Because it is." One clever secret she divulged was to put all of your supplies in one easy-to- get-to-container, ie: bread making or pasta making tools and ingredients. To summon Kim's help, email her: kim@theorganizedapproach.com

"I can say Kim has helped me get organized and improved my life," says Christine Peters. "There are so many ways we women can help each other -- not just in business, but in relationships, raising children, going through hard times and more. Peters Path Store is a great venue to do that!"

To find out about the next Peters Path Networking soiree, follow @PetersPathStore on Twitter or join their fan page on Facebook.

Peters Path Store's flagship boutique at 164 E. Crogan in Lawrenceville offers clothing, accessories and items for the home. Winter hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:30-6. And as if their hospitality isn't enough, a portion of every sale benefits charitable organizations. Fashionista devotees to the chic boutique and its hip brands can also shop 24/7 at their online store.

Come meet the new "you" on January 14

If you've been to Peter's Path Store, you probably know that owners Christine Peters and Ronda Balfe know how to create totally chic little outfits for you. But did you know they're gaining quite the reputation for putting together a fabulous soiree, too?

I'm talking, kitten, about fabulously fun networking events disguised as parties. Can you believe the nerve of these ladies? And they're scheduled at tres' convenient times for working moms, entrepreneuresses (is that a word?) and girlies who just want to have fun, meet other successful women and learn new stuff.

This next "special invitation" event --OK, OK. I will concede dear reader that you won't be receiving a gold embossed calligraphy invite nor will you be greeted at the door by a steroid induced bouncer selectively deciding what divas are allowed to enter under PP's yellow awning. But when you see the eclectic crowd of smart and chic women, you'll be glad you were privy to the hottest party this side of Hollywood. And you'll feel sorry for the photogs at TMZ who missed it!

Oh, but back to what I was saying...The next event is January 14 at 6 p.m.

That's when the entouragette (is that a word?) welcomes the darlingly dynamic duo of Professional Organizer Kim Cossette and Personal Trainer Elizabeth Jaeger.

The theme of the party is "A New Year. A New You." And here's why....Psssssst. Stay with me.

You see Kim is a professional organizer. And she will help you tame your life gone a little amess sista' starting in the heart of things. Your kitchen. Then, there's Elizabeth, a personal trainer who knows just a few things about eating right and how to put your derrier in gear. Together, these damsels will show you how to take charge in 2010 and change your life! "Viva la difference" you'll exclaim as you learn how to create a vision of how you want your life to be. And how to make the right choices to bring about your intentional vision.

Now, I know what you're thinking. This get together sounds oh so amazing. But can I afford it?

But of course, dahling. While a 600 sq ft studio in NYC is a cool mil. And a BMW is 50K+. You, m' dear are priceless. And this function is FREE!!!! And did I mention, you could win a 12 week nutritional coaching prize?

Plus there'll be wine to sip and cheese to nibble on as you sit on vintage furniture and show off your mojo to all your new friends at Peter's Path Store. No purchase necessary. Except don't blame us if you happen to fall in love with a pair of skinny jeans or a fluffy sweater all the same. You're on your own when it comes to your pocketbook, shop girl.

To read more about it, you can become a fan of Peter's Path Store on Facebook or follow us at www.twitter.com/peterspathstore.

Call for nonprofits! Sign-up now for "Peter's Tees For A Cause"

Our passion goes way beyond fashion at Peter's Path store. We're out to change the world one garment at a time, too. So, we're selling US Aid tees and offering your caring organization a nice percentage of the profits. Not to mention, the Ugandan made shirts also help poverty stricken Africans. Here's how the program works.

Step one: We offer a selection of 100% organic cotton tees with beautiful designs like the one you see here. The shirts retail for 24.00 (short sleeved) and 26.00 (long sleeved).

Step two: Your organization is one of 12 selected for the monthly t-shirt program. Hint. Hint. First come. First serve. So, email us asap with your nonprofit information: info@peterspathstore.com

Step three: For one month, your 501(c)(3) receives 10.00 for every t-shirt sale as well as promotion on our blog, tweets, facebook page, e-newsletter and in-store signage.

Step four: We kindly ask that you provide a link to www.peterspathstore.com as well as information about this Cause Marketing promotion in any other marketing materials available to you. After all, the more you can promote this program on your end, the more tee-shirt sales and goodwill for your organization!

Step five: Your nonprofit makes money from one whole month of tee-shirt sales at our shop, plus invaluable marketing support to boot. Peter's Path Store feels happy from our Fidel hatted head to our Alegria clogged toes knowing we've helped out your cause. Because that, and fashion, are quite simply, our passion.