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Fundraisers to benefit victims of burglary

By Staff | Feb 7, 2014

Locals band together to raise money for those victimized in Burglaries.

Two separate events sprang up shortly after news broke Monday that Mellow Moods Caf/Jala Yoga and Two Rivers Treads had been robbed overnight.

News that Blue Moon Caf had also been burglarized in the weeks prior, strengthened a growing desire by community members to right the situation.

Owners of local jewelry store Plum were the first to respond.

David and Cari Rosen decided a “Cash Mob.” could help bring business to their German St. neighbors, who lost around $5000 total.

“It’s basically about community members, friends and family showing up and spending a little money,” she said of event.

Rosen described seeing news of the burglaries as sad.

“We just felt really terrible,” she said.

Mellow Moods employees, Rebecca Drewry and Elia Rubio brainstormed ways to help after receiving word about the burglary from their manager.

“We wanted to utilize the things we knew we could, “Drewry said.

“I make skincare products and Elia makes baby clothes for her kids.”

When the pair decided they’d hold a silent auction, they received “overwhelming,” interest and support.

Local event planner and Shepherdstown resident, Tara Sanders Lowe offered her services planning the logistics of event.

Lowe said guests wail be asked for a basic donation to get into to the standing room or can reserve table for five for $100 dollars.

“Both raffle items and silent auction items will be available to win and will include donated items from many other local businesses and artists,” she said.

Music, food and drinks will be available in the top floor of the Community Club. The Raffle and auction will take place on the ground level.

Drewry said the Community Club donated use of its space and noted the wealth of community donations for the event, including food and beverages.

“Everything for this event has been 100 percent donated,” she said.

At press time about 90 donations had been made as part of the silent auction, according to Drewry.

Donations vary from graphic design services, to things like crafts, beauty products, art, yoga classes and jewelry, among others.

Rosen said she knows first hand how hard January is for local small businesses.

“January has been bad for business because of the bad weather,” she said.

She said the Cash Mob gives customers a way to directly help the affected businesses.

“People want to help,” she said.

Phil Mastrangelo, owner of Mellow Moods Cafe said he’s already found relief in the support the restaurant and other businesses have gotten.

In a letter he said: “I want to thank everyone in this community and beyond. I was reminded today that the kind words of a stranger, the hug from a friend, the offers of help from a neighbor can determine whether someone is feeling brokenor strong enough to push through.”

Drewry said that if the auction raises more than its $5000 goal, all extra earnings will go toward a local nonprofit organization.

The Cash Mob will be held on all day Saturday Feb. 8 and the Silent Auction will begin a 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, with a Feb. 15 snow date.