In 2021, after designing my Valentine's Day floral I began to think about the women who had lost their spouses, the women that feel so much hurt and pain on Valentine's Day.

It was a weekend full of rain and cold temps but there was so much joy. Dick's Sporting Goods donated tents to keep us dry and we had Solo Stoves to keep us warm.  The nominees were touched by the gifts and flowers - some were in total shock that they were remembered on Valentine's Day by mostly total strangers.

I want to acknowledge and thank the following businesses for their donations to make this event possible in 2023!

​Piedmont Pennies, Twine and Twig, Amen Jewelry, Chapel Hill Toffee, Erin McDermott, Heather Opal Art, Just Jarrell, BGood Cookies, Elizabeth Rose, Julie Barnett, Susan Wallace, Wine Store, Prayer Cards from Martha Mary, Emmanuel Concepts, Tivoli Art, Candy Babe, Mona Lisa Macaroons, Trader Joes, Elizabeth Rose, Athleta, Lily Pulitzer, The Social Shop. Lone Star Dumpster Rental​

I asked my followers to send me the names and addresses of Widows in our community.  I also asked them to consider donating money and/or time. I hoped to send gift bags and flowers to 50 women. Within 2 weeks we had enough funds and volunteers to serve 121 Widows.  Our community came together with donations from small businesses that as well that made the gift bags even more exciting.

In 2022, we set an initial goal to serve 175 Widows.  Within 10 days we had funds and nominations for 300!  The nomination number steadily climbed and by Valentines Day we were able to serve 400 Widows.

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We set our sights high for 2023 with a goal to serve 800 widows in Charlotte, NC. We are also mentoring women in Wexford, PA as well as Hutchinson, MN. As we raise funds, it is my hope that we can expand and bring this project to more cities. I dream that one day we can be represented in every state.

Learn more @prettythings.charlotte on IG

You can donate HERE

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The Valentine's Day Widow Outreach Co is a 501c(3) Non-Profit organization. 

EIN is 87-4767409

5526 Five Knolls Drive

Charlotte, NC 28226

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