three weeks and counting...

Three weeks from today, we get to be a part of the 2009 March of Dimes Celebration of Babies in Beverly Hills. Each year, the California chapter of March of Dimes hosts a charity luncheon recognizing celebrities and prominent individuals who are celebrating the birth of their children and who are role models for the March of Dimes commitment to love and hope for healthy babies. The event, called "Celebration of Babies," includes a luncheon and program, an auction and a "boutique-style marketplace boasting best in class designers, companies and boutique owners." Providentially, we were invited to be a part of the event as one of the boutique "shops."

As the event draws near, I often catch myself thinking, "What have I gotten myself into?" Really, how in the world did this little outfit I call "fruit" become a company carrying "best in class design" products suited for the babies of high-profile celebrities like Ashlee Simpson and Nicole Richie? I have no answer but God. In His providence, He orchestrated a Facebook giveaway winner to contact the March of Dimes event director who offered me the very last spot in the boutique. And just like that, I found myself saying yes and kicking things into high gear to get ready.

So a few fun facts about Celebration of Babies 2009:

• This year's event will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.
• It will be hosted by Lisa Breckenridge (News Anchor, Fox 11 LA) and Lauren Sanchez (Good Day LA, Extra).
• Special guests will include Halle Barry and Courtney Thorne-Smith.
  
• The "Stork Club" (parents who have welcomed new babies in the past year) includes Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, Hank Azaria and Katie Wright, Julie Bowen and Scott Phillips, Howie and Leigh Dorough, Mitchell and Clare Davis, Nicole Sullivan and Jason Packham, Jennifer Todd and Chris Messina and Marlien Rentmeester and John Phelps.
  
• This year's Golden Rattle Award will be given to Dr. Robert Katz, long-time physician and advocate for healthy babies at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

To say it is an honor to be a part of this event is an understatement at best. And not only do we get to participate in the boutique, we've also been privileged to gift the Stork Club with some special Fruit products as part of their gift bag (which is actually a stroller full of goodies!) as well as offer one of our luxury blankets for bidding in the auction. Pictured are the Stork Club gifts ready to be sent!

Aside from the hoopla of participating in a celebrity charity event, I personally am most looking forward to sharing the experience with my two very best friends: my hometown country girl who could swing it in the big city, Michelle Rogers, and my big city girl who is so down-to-earth she could swing it in the country, Hillary Smiley. Both gems in my heart!

A heap of fabric needing to be fashioned into bibs, diaper clutches, blankets and burp cloths awaits me.

More to come on this and more in the days ahead...