Volunteers and Vendors- A Debt Of Gratitude

Thrive founder Cece Bloum (far right) along with a few volunteers, families and Thrive dogs. Photographer, Holly Casner

Two weeks ago we had our first annual Artisans Marketplace and it was everything we had hoped it would be. Along with a huge, "Thank you" to Mother Nature (sunny and 76 degrees) we owe a debt of gratitude to the dozens of volunteers who gave of their time and energy to ensure that the event ran smoothly. Although there are too many people to name individually, there are a couple to whom we are especially grateful: 

Photographer, Marcia Siggins Jonas 

For starters our outstanding event coordinator Meredith Swedo of Swedo Events, who spent six weeks leading up to the event fielding emails, organizing the vendors and generally seeing to it that everything went off without a hitch. Her enthusiasm throughout the process made the entire day enjoyable for all who attended and we look forward to working with her again in December! 

Cece Bloum, Laurel Evans Smith and Cindy Dunbar, getting their Thrive on with Meredith Swedo. Photo bomber, Allison Stratton.

Kari Arendsen and Intimate Living Interiors styled the Artisans Marketplace and their commitment in doing so was nothing short of extraordinary. From the vendor layout to the food and entertainment spaces, their vision and hard work pulled the marketplace together in a way that was not only visually appealing, but conveyed a vibe which made for an exceptionally wonderful day. 

Intimate Living Interiors' Kari Arendsen with Thrive rescue Olive Norman

New York On Rye brought their food truck and provided freshly prepared, deli cuisine to feed our hungry shoppers and Matt Commerce provided the cool vibes with his upbeat and soulful vocal and guitar style. 

Matt Commerce set the tone for a spectacular summer day.

Then there were the dogs; the good news is, in the days leading up to the event, nearly every dog we pulled from the shelter was adopted out from our promotional social media efforts. On the morning of July 12th we had just five dogs left available for adoption, and when the event was over only two remained. Not bad for a day’s work. 

 Former Thrive rescue Rowdy, found his forever home. 

Cooper's new life with his forever family began on July 12th.

We sold a record breaking amount of our Thrive gear, the vendor's checks are still coming in and a good time was had by all. Thank you again to all who came to shop or to assist us in setting up, walking dogs, selling tee-shirts, and generally making the day memorable for everyone involved. It is because of the shoppers, vendors and volunteers that we are able to continue to raise money and awareness for the plight of homeless dogs in Southern California. It takes a village and we certainly do have a great one! 

Stay tuned, because coming in December we will hold our second annual Holiday Farmers Market. A great way to do your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses and animal rescue.  We promise it will be a day you do not want to miss. To be continued...