It started with a birthday and a simple idea: instead of throwing a party for herself, Mari Burelson decided to throw a party for someone else.
That decision eventually became Girls Night In 4 a Cause, a group of philanthropic women who gather each month, outside of the summer, to support a different local nonprofit. What began as one celebration has grown into something much bigger: friends coming together, opening their doors, inviting others in, and using an evening together to make a difference in their community.
This September, we were incredibly grateful to be selected as the benefiting organization for the third year in a row.
Once Parenting Matters was chosen, our friends and board members got to work. They planned, invited friends, gathered raffle items, spread the word, and helped create an evening that felt less like a fundraiser and more like a room full of people who genuinely care about their community.
On September 28, that generosity came together in a big way.
Ali Pullen, owner of Acqua Aveda Salon, Spa, and Store, welcomed everyone into her beautiful space and hosted the evening, complete with wonderful food from gRub Tropical BBQ on Anna Maria Island. Our board hosts Veronica, Jane, Karin, and Patty handled countless details behind the scenes, while friends of Parenting Matters donated an incredible collection of raffle baskets and prizes.
By the end of the night, $2,500 had been raised to support children and families in our community.
What we enjoyed the most was that we were surrounded by familiar faces and enjoyed meeting new ones. People were laughing, connecting, buying raffle tickets, learning more about Parenting Matters, and choosing to be part of something that extends far beyond one evening.
The $2,500 raised will go right back into the work happening every day at Parenting Matters, helping parents find support, giving children opportunities to learn and grow, and strengthening families throughout Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
To Mari, Ali, Veronica, Jane, Karin, Patty, everyone who donated a raffle item, and every person who joined us that evening: thank you. What started years ago as one birthday celebration continues to create an impact for so many local nonprofits, and we are honored to be a part of that group.
