By Daily Press staff
Skip those generic gift certificates this holiday season and give friends and family something truly unique. The Holiday Gift Boutique, Saturday, Dec. 2, features one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry and beautiful handcrafted leather goods and art objects. All of the proceeds from the boutique support breast cancer research at The John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) at Saint John’s Health Center.
Now in its 12th year, the Holiday Gift Boutique was started by Geralin Clark and Evelyn Mandel, both breast cancer survivors who were treated at JWCI.
“Putting together this boutique is a wonderful, soulful experience for us,” said Mandel. “Everyone who buys something knows that their money will go to fight a disease that affects so many women.It’s a chance to transform a negative situation into something positive for everyone.”
Since its inception, the fundraising event has generated nearly $100,000 for the Evelyn Mandel and Geralin Clark Breast Cancer Research Fund at JWCI. Mandel designs the handmade jewelry sold at the boutique. Bracelets, pendants, letter openers and key rings are adorned with semiprecious stones, pearls and fused glass. Clark creates leather purses, boxes and other art objects.
For more information, call (310) 315-6111.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 23, 2006. Read the original PDF.