Holiday Boutique getting bigger all the time

June Casagrande

It’s no surprise that the annual Holiday Boutique fund-raiser is

catching on. Last year, five different charities took part in the

event. This year, they’re up to seven. That’s because, as event

organizer Mary Saucedo said, it has something for everyone: unique

gifts and merchandise for shoppers, a great showcase for the works of

local craftspeople and a great opportunity to benefit some very

worthy charities.

“There are about 50 really neat vendors,” Saucedo said.

“Everything from home decor, baby and children’s clothing, Christmas

gifts, jewelry -- that’s a big one -- resort wear for men and women.”

A lot of the items are unique things that can’t be found in

stores, she said. But the best part of the boutique is the chance to

help charities.

“I got involved in this because I was involved in three of these

charities and I realized that they need help organizing this kind of

fund-raiser. It was a unique business opportunity,” Saucedo said.

The seven charities participating in this year’s benefit include

the Glass Slipper Guild of CHOC, Our Lady Queen of Angels Mothers

Group and Casa Teresa. Saucedo has made a business out of running the

boutiques. The charities get 10% of the proceeds from the sales. The

rest goes to the vendors, with Saucedo taking a cut as well.

“This is a great way for the parish to be involved in the

community,” said Susan Beechner, parish secretary for Saint Michael &

All Angels Episcopal church in Corona del Mar, which this year will

host the event. “It’s a really festive event with a lot of gifts you

just wouldn’t see anywhere else.”