Dec. 14 marked the 2nd annual Small Business Christmas party, and things went just as planned. Directors Tara Cure and Bobbi Wollbaum took to the stage to begin the night for a sold out crowd of 370+ people.
Beginning with giving thanks to all the volunteers and small businesses that helped make the night possible before supper and entertainment.
Cure says, “I started working in restaurants as a young teen and found my love of cooking and so cooking meals for hundreds of people doesn’t frighten me. Ensuring there is enough food for everyone and that the taste is on point, I can handle that. What I wasn’t able to deliver was a speech without shaking. This could have been because of the lack of sleep over the last few days, but nonetheless I finished saying what I needed to say.”
Cure continues, “I have been hosting various fundraising events for 20 years, and Saturday night reminds me of why I love to do it. I’m fortunate enough to have found my passion, and that is bringing people together with food, laughter, friendship and fun to help raise money for our wonderful community.”
From this one event, Moms on a Community Mission was able to not only donate the proceeds amounting to $6,000 each for Carlyle Playschool Cooperative AND Arcola Rink, but to deliver late night meals to the staff of Moose Mountain Lodge; provide a donation to the Carlyle Food Bank; support funding to the Carlyle School Nutrition Program; and help with finances to the Arcola Grad Class.
Cure says, “I have literally been stopped and complimented in the street for putting on a great event. The reviews have included the food being too good, and that people ate too much. That people’s cheeks were sore from laughing so hard. It brings tears to my eyes to hear such kind words, but I need everyone to know that it’s not me. This night would not have been possible without Bobbi, Tammy Mensinger, and all of the volunteers that were called on to help. The Carlyle Hooters team for letting us use their van to get people home safely, that’s what makes events like this great. We had a crew of three people peeling potatoes for three hours. I can’t help but wonder if their hands are still sore. Its the entire community that deserves praise for this type of outcome.”
Moms have already been asked what’s cooking for next year? Will there be a 3rd Annual Small Business Christmas Party? To which Cure says, “We’d be crazy not to! So yes! There will be. As always stay tuned to our Facebook page for more info.”
