What do Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Christmas shopping, and free Starbucks coffee have to do with one another? The ALS (a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Artisan Boutique held at the Sheraton Hotel in Annapolis! Early in December marked the tenth annual ALS Artisan Boutique, and this year’s turnout and vendors must have been even better than the last. With a portion of the proceeds going to finding a cure for ALS, shopping from the fifty-five vendors was even easier. If you missed this beneficial Christmas shopping-palooza, read below and mark your calendar for next year.
To start, it’s important to know that the best part of this high-class craft fair is that some proceeds went to the ALS Association. ALS affects too many people worldwide, decreasing the victims’ ability to walk, breathe, and speak. These simple life functions come second nature to many of us, but for those troubled with the disease, these skills become a matter of life or death. According to a flyer given out at the ALS Artisan Boutique, an upwards of 5,000 people in America are diagnosed with the cruel disease every year. This translates to a disease that needs to be stopped, but without a cure, there is little hope. This is the impetus for the ALS Artisan Boutique–finding a cure.
The ALS Association provides support to families struggling to survive through Lou Gehrig’s Disease and also seeks to discover a cure. In addition, the Association offers free services like clinics, home visits, alternative communication devices, transportation, and online information about ALS. The ALS Association chapter in this area services families in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. For more information about this incredible service, visit www.ALSinfo.org or contact 301-978-9855.
Along with the desire to save lives with a cure, the ALS Artisan Boutique was also designed to function as an all-in-one Christmas shop and social event that brings together friends, co-workers, and families with free music and refreshments. Some worthy Annapolis area businesses sponsored the event: Architectural Gardens, Art & Negative, Baltimore Jewish Times, Baltimore Style Magazine, Bath Fitter, California Pizza Kitchen, Hammersmith, Outlook by the Bay, SHR Associates, Welsh Construction Remodeling, and What’s Up Magazine.
The gorgeous gifts from various vendors ranged in style and function.There were multiple jewelry vendors, home decoration vendors, and vendors with food items. Also proud and present at the ALS Artisan Boutique was the fast-growing Annapolis business, Simply Plated, which takes a quirky yet elegant spin on servingware. Also there was By the Bay Creations, a company that features beautiful nautical pieces like wooden sailboats and sea-themed tea towels. Another local vendor worthy of mention is Sisters ‘N Stitches, a family company comprised of two sisters who craft handmade afghans and more. Buttercup Cakes, a tempting cupcake shop, was there with their adorable and tasty treats, some even decorated with edible glitter. Ego Alley Jewelry & Gifts was also at the ALS Boutique, with area-inspired gifts and creations for classy Annapolis people. Photography, unique salsa blends, and pottery were also offered at the show. Most of the vendors are based out of Annapolis. Items were priced according to vendor, labor, and size/amount.
In addition to the vendors represented, there was also a silent auction that sold jewelry from Lilac Bijoux, treats from local businesses, and painted wine glasses.
Even if you missed this year’s event, next December will be upon us before we know it. Even still, if you want to donate to the ALS cause, visit the site above and practice a little Christmas cheer.
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