Sparkle for a Cause

I had the pleasure of speaking with John Crabtree the owner of Crabtree’s Kittle House who told me about a program he sponsors called Sparkle for a Cause. This is a weekly event that pairs up ladies night out with a worthy cause. John told me that the idea for Sparkle for a Cause “evolved from the basic philosophy behind the foundation of Amy’s Garden” (This is a garden in memory of his wife who passed away in November of 2009 after a long battle with Brain Cancer).

Amy was a registered nurse who gave up her career to help John out at the Kittle House in 2003. Her vision was to create a special garden outside the Tap Room that would create a feeling of Peace and tranquility. Amy wanted to provide guests with the opportunity to sit back and relax while enjoying a glass of wine and a meal. Sadly, Amy passed away before the Garden was able to be created. Unbeknownst to John his friends, family and neighbors (spearheaded by John’s sister Rita) spread the word about Amy’s Garden and they all pitched in to create the garden that Amy had envisioned (a local landscaper and some businesses also contributed). John said that “The garden became a place of giving and caring, in honor of the most giving and caring human being he had ever known”.

John told me that when it came time to plan summer events at the Kittle House it was a simple conclusion to have ‘ ladies night out’ in Amy’s garden, where folks could enjoy conversation, wine, food and some acoustical music all while contributing to a worthy cause. The first charities to benefit from this program were some of Amy’s favorites. There has been such a tremendous response to these events that the program is going to be extended into the fall.

The August 2, 2011 event was a very special one. In honor of Amy’s birthday The Amy Marie Crabtree Foundation (a new 501c (3) charity) aka Team Amy was created. The response was better than expected and they raised over $24,000. The foundation was able to donate to four different charities (make a wish, SPCA, Hope’s Door and Have a chance against Brain Tumors). You can find out more about this great organization by going to their web site www.teamamyfoundation.org. Here is a list of the charities for the next two months:

8/16- Smart Girls at Katonah Museum (helps girls 8-17 who are at risk).

8/23- Northern West. Hosp. Foundation

8/30- Jacob Burns Film Center

9/6-   Food Bank for Westchester

If you haven’t been to one of these events I encourage you to do so, you won’t be disappointed.