By: Kathy L. Collins
To be called a philanthropist, you do not have to be a billionaire like Bill Gates. A philanthropist is one who donates money, goods, services, time or effort to support a socially beneficial cause with a defined objective with no financial or material reward to them. Mark and Rosalind Creager, owners of Plaza Bella and the venerable Green Boutique, and the 19 businesses who make up Plaza Bella are philanthropists. During the months of October and November, Plaza Bella will sponsor several events which are designed to support socially beneficial causes.
The first event is Bras for the Cause to be held on October 8. Artistically decorated bras, submitted by September 26, will be on display at Plaza Bella businesses. A reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The entrance fee is $25.00
The Second Annual Plaza Bella Goes Pink will be held on October 10. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The walk begins at 9 a.m. Registration fee is $30.00 per person or $25.00 per person for teams of five or more. Each registrant will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag. According to Rosalind Creager, Dr. Kepes of Center for Radiation Oncology is the presenting sponsor for the walk. “The Green Boutique, along with sponsorship from all of our tenants, will pay for the t-shirts so that the money raised by walkers goes to the charities,” Creager said.
A special guest, Heidi Floyd of Vera Bradley, will be on hand at the walk to give an inspirational speech. Floyd is a breast cancer survivor. All proceeds from Bras for the Cause and the walk will go to the American Cancer Society and the Vera Bradley Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year 300 walkers raised over $15,000.00.
Plaza Bella will also sponsor Wagapalozza on November 21. All canine friends are invited to participate in competition for best trick, best tail wager, best puppy love and best costume. This event will take place all day. All proceeds go to several local animal rescue groups.
During the month of November, Plaza Bella will also be hosting Stuff the Turkey. The public is asked to bring non-perishable goods such as peanut butter, jelly, cereal and canned vegetables to the plaza. All goods will be donated to ECHO.
Creager says that all of the tenants at Plaza Bella are involved and help in many ways. “As a small business owner who has to wear many hats, I would never be able to do events of the scale that we do without the support and involvement of every business owner in the Plaza,” Creager said. “Our tenants are local families. Everyone here is very community minded and supportive of one another’s business,” Creager added.
If you would like more information on any of the upcoming events, you can visit www.greenboutique.net or call 685-9494 or call Debbie at Orange at 681-8686.
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Plaza Bella will hold the Second Annual Plaza Bella Goes Pink on October 10. All proceeds will to American Cancer Society and the Vera Bradley Breast Cancer Foundation.
