The Blue House Boutique Story
|
The Blue House Boutique is a fundraiser to support and educate vulnerable children in rural Uganda.
|
Josh Garubanda, Beatrice's son, sets up the African gift table in 2007.
Beatrice Garubanda, a Ugandan-American who lived in St. Paul, started the Blue House when she saw children in her home village of Kazo in desperate need. Back in Minnesota she shared the alarming story of the rapid spread of AIDS and the overwhelming number of orphans left in its wake.
Heartbroken by the sight of countless children living on the streets, Beatrice unveiled her vision of a home that became the Blue House, so named because “Blue is the color of Hope.” She started a Non-Governmental Organization in Uganda and a nonprofit in Minnesota, with cooperating boards of directors.
In the summer of 2005, Beatrice invited the women of St. Matthew’s to get together to make crafts and learn new skills. “What if we made so many things that we had enough to sell? We could donate the money we made to help support the orphanage.” And the idea for the first Blue House Boutique was hatched.
Then Beatrice suddenly passed away that September.
Beatrice Garubanda, a Ugandan-American who lived in St. Paul, started the Blue House when she saw children in her home village of Kazo in desperate need. Back in Minnesota she shared the alarming story of the rapid spread of AIDS and the overwhelming number of orphans left in its wake.
Heartbroken by the sight of countless children living on the streets, Beatrice unveiled her vision of a home that became the Blue House, so named because “Blue is the color of Hope.” She started a Non-Governmental Organization in Uganda and a nonprofit in Minnesota, with cooperating boards of directors.
In the summer of 2005, Beatrice invited the women of St. Matthew’s to get together to make crafts and learn new skills. “What if we made so many things that we had enough to sell? We could donate the money we made to help support the orphanage.” And the idea for the first Blue House Boutique was hatched.
Then Beatrice suddenly passed away that September.
Wayne and Ann Sisel enjoy a popular soup lunch break at the BHB in 2011.
But the women decided to go ahead with the one-day sale, in one classroom, selling a few items that made a few hundred dollars. That effort has expanded to the church’s whole undercroft level, and has grown to 3 days.
In 2023, more than 65 artisans, crafters, and gourmet goodie makers donated the fruits of their talents. And with 50 volunteers, raised over $30,000! The Boutique is the major fundraiser for operating expenses and education.
The boutique has always focused on offering unique, high-quality, handcrafted gifts. Its well-deserved reputation has spread throughout the Twin Cities.
In 2023, more than 65 artisans, crafters, and gourmet goodie makers donated the fruits of their talents. And with 50 volunteers, raised over $30,000! The Boutique is the major fundraiser for operating expenses and education.
The boutique has always focused on offering unique, high-quality, handcrafted gifts. Its well-deserved reputation has spread throughout the Twin Cities.
|
All proceeds benefit the Blue House Uganda, funding operating expenses and education. Girls now go to school through secondary level and most go on to vocational schools or even college. The Blue House also supports education for boys and girls who can safely live with relatives.
Beatrice’s vision still gives hope to children in Uganda. The Blue House Boutique is the first weekend in December. Contact us to be added to our mailing list and to receive a Boutique postcard reminder. |
Volunteers were ready to welcome back shoppers in 2021, after the Un-Boutique in 2020.
Karen Lilley has managed Blue House communications, served on the board, and visited the Blue House twice. Linda Lopez and Tracy Dunnwald were two of the original Boutique crafters and still serve on the Boutique Steering Committee. All three contributed to this article.
|
