Mother's Day Gala

It’s hard to believe, but Saturday will mark BWI Charlotte’s 2^nd anniversary and our 3^rd annual Mother’s Day Gala.  The 1^st event happened kind of by accident.  We had just gotten word that after 6 months of work, our little babywearing group had completed its affiliation process and we were officially Babywearing International of Charlotte.  The leadership was excited to announce the news at the May event when Bonnie realized that the date was Mother’s Day weekend. 

In just a couple of weeks, with the help of the other leaders and some gracious sponsors, the regularly schedule monthly event turned into not only BWI Charlotte’s first official event but the first Mother’s Day Gala.  It wasn’t much.  Some simple decorations, quick refreshments, and a few giveaways, but it was an exciting event!

Last year, things got a little more organized.  A bunch of folks generously donated prizes to be given away.  More volunteers pitched in to help, and lots of people came.  In fact it was our single most attended event of the year.  We even had a lot of faces we hadn’t seen in a while.  It was kind of like our group’s homecoming. 

This year things are getting even better.  To start with, this year we are excited to be hosting the event at Bellies and Babies, an amazing supporter of BWI Charlotte and an awesome resource for the community.

Once again, we will be having some light refreshments.  If you would like to bring something, please let us know.  Bonnie will definitely be bringing OJ and sparkling grape juice to make mock mimosas, or MOM-mosas. 

This year we are excited to have some fun crafts for moms and kids.  We don’t want to give too much away so we’ll just say that your refrigerator may be a little prettier after this event.  And you might have a special Mother’s Day card from your kids, but you didn’t hear that from us.

We will also be doing mini sessions with the truly talented photographer, Mariela Feliz Fernandez as a fundraiser for the group.  For only $40 you will get a 10 minute session to use however you like.  Think babywearing, breastfeeding, or simply a sweet family or mommy/baby shot.  You’ll also get 5 edited digital images and the opportunity to buy prints.  This awesome fundraiser will allow us to add even more carriers to our learning library!  

The star of the event is always the giveaways and we have some awesome prizes this year!

Comfy Joey has donated two $25 gift cards!

Tipps Prints has donated three gorgeous prints including this one!

The Hanging Wire has donated three stunning necklace/earring sets!

Southern Sparrow Creations has donated two adorable teethers!

Living the Young Life will be donating some essential oils!

CanDo Kiddo has donated a homemade tummy time pillow and copy of her book with play activities for infants!

Wrap Therapy has donated an individual wrap session ($25 value)!

Yogi Monkey has donated three handmade lavender eye pillows!

Splendid Mama has donated an essential oil starter kit including lemon, lavender, and peppermint!

If you would like to donate food or a giveaway prize, then tag a leader in the Facebook group or send an email to charlotte@babywearinginternational.org.  If you would like to participate in the photography mini sessions fundraiser, please see all the details here.  Spots are going fast though so don’t wait! 

We are looking forward to seeing you all there on Saturday.  Although we won’t be doing our normal Babywearing Basics presentation or lending out from the library, we are always up for helping folk babywear.  So, feel free to bring your carriers and we’ll be happy to help!  Babies, siblings and other caregivers are invited to join us, but if you would prefer to make it a Mom’s Afternoon Out, feel free to come solo!  It’s going to be a great time!