June Pace, proprietress of the new Mina Boutique, is no stranger to engaging enterprises. “I have been involved with several businesses in Ancestor Square, starting with Southwest Creations, an artist co-op; the Painted Pony Restaurant, which I owned and developed for several years; and Bella Donna Boutique,” says June.
Now open in historic downtown St. George, Mina features name brand designer lines. June believes with the pandemic and shoppers ordering online for so long, they are ready for a new experience seeing, feeling and trying on clothes again.
“We make shopping fun and love watching women get out of their comfort zone and experiment with new looks,” adds June. “There’s nothing like a little retail therapy, and we love our little pioneer house on Main Street.”
June invited six women from five nonprofit organizations to show off her new fashions—perfect for the holidays and beyond. In addition, these women were asked to talk about their organizations. All outfits and jewelry are from Mina Boutique.
SUZANNE LEONELLI
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER—ROOT FOR KIDS
Contact: Rootforkids.org
Suzanne is wearing an outfit by IPING, jewelry by ZZAN and cuff bracelet by Charlene K.
What is your organization’s mission? The mission of Root for Kids is "Nurture Strong Beginnings." We serve pregnant women and children from birth to five, providing education and creating environments for optimal growth and development for every child in Washington County and along the Arizona Strip.
How has your program evolved through the years? Root for Kids was incorporated in 1994, with a skeleton crew and one program, and today we have approximately 98 staff and 5 programs to serve over 1,200 families annually.”
What are the most challenging parts of the holiday season? Many of our families are forced to choose between paying rent, putting diapers on their little ones, putting food on the table or giving their little ones the magic of the holidays.
What is the best way for readers to support your organization? Financial donations are welcome; however, we love donations such as diapers, formula, books and school supplies—and volunteers.
LUANN LUNDQUIST
FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MEMORY MATTERS UTAH
Contact: memorymattersutah.org
LuAnn is wearing an outfit by B. Hadikusumo and jewelry by ZZAN and Chan Luu.
What is your organization’s mission? Our mission is to reduce isolation and improve wellness for individuals with dementia and their caregivers through activities, support, education and consultation.
How have you seen the impact of your organization in the community? We had a caregiver reunion last week organized by former caregivers. Many said Memory Matters Utah helped them through their most challenging times. Many new clients come to us because a doctor or friend referred them to us.
What is the most challenging part of the holiday season? Instead of joy in traveling to see family there is confusion and stress. We help families with ideas and understanding.
What is the best way for readers to support your organization? We need volunteers and funding to keep our services free or low cost. Our "Let’s Do Holiday Lunch" fundraiser on Dec. 3 is a fun way to donate!
CAROL HOLLOWELL
CEO OF SWITCHPOINT COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
LINDA STAY
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF SWITCHPOINT COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
Contact: switchpointcrc.org
Carol is wearing a coat by Johnny Was and a dress by Go Couture.
Linda’s dress is by Johnny Was and jewelry by ZZAN.
What is your organization’s mission? Switchpoint Community Resource Center operates a 24/7 emergency shelter, food pantry and soup kitchen, in addition to other programs. We address the underlying cause of poverty, providing a plan and supporting a journey to self-sufficiency.
What are the most challenging parts of the holiday season? Ask what is needed and what is the best way to implement the gift or offering. In addition, we need help every month—not just during the holiday season. Come to us in January and February or during the summer months when donations wane.
What is the best way for readers to support your organization? Monetary donations are most important as they cover the cost of case management—and then, volunteer! We rely on more than 300 volunteers each month to operate our programs.
DONNA MACBEAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION
Contact: neighborhoodconnection.net
Donna is wearing a dress by Luukaa and jewelry by ZZAN.
What is your organization’s mission? We provide supplemental weekend food for school children who qualify for school breakfast and lunch program.
How have you seen the impact of your organization in the community? I see the impact on the children’s faces. They are so excited to see us on Friday afternoons. You will hear them in the hallways saying, "Neighborhood Connection is here!" Some of the parents tell us they do not have to worry about how they are going to feed their children over the weekend.
What are the most challenging parts of the holiday season? Making sure people have food.
What is the best way for readers to support your organization? Financial donations and specific food donations.
What accomplishments are worth celebrating? In four years, we have grown our business from working with one school to working with eight schools. Our first year, we sent home food every Friday with 85 students, and now we send home to 800 students every weekend.
JANICE BROOKS
FOUNDER AND CEO OF JAN BROOKS SYNERGIES; CREATORS OF THE LITERARY CAFÉ UTAH
Contact: janbrookssynergies.com and theliterarycafeutah.com
Janice is wearing a dress by Petit Pois and jewelry by ZZAN.
What is your organization’s mission? I am a social entrepreneur with a motivating passion for creating and supporting transformation experiences that heighten and enliven the artistic, creative, spiritual, cultural and literary arts.
What is the best way for readers to support your organization? Stay tuned for events happening in 2022. Until then: BE KIND TO EVERYONE.
How have you seen the impact of your organization in the community? I believe producing events and sharing my keen cultural, political and social commentary in a wise-hearted and grace-filled manner has encouraged and nurtured more transparent connections within our community, specifically among community organizations, businesses, academia and religious institutions.