A ‘Lovely’ Time

On Monday I attended the Las Candelas luncheon and fashion show “Love Has No Limits.” It was a superior event, not only because it was actually an in-person affair, offering a phenomenal boutique, serving delicious food (the event was held at the Marriott Burbank, which has a terrific kitchen), had outstanding attendees and fantastic fashions but there were no masks required. After two years of masking up I was able to see the smiles on the faces of the attendees. I didn’t realize how much I missed them.

I was reminded of the importance of a “friendly smile” when I was in Vons (by the way, if you’re looking for our papers there they’re now on the customer service counter) and I passed a gentleman in the aisles. I glanced at him with a smile on my face and he had one on his, too. While some folks will continue wearing masks because that’s what is comfortable for them (and that is just fine), I thought how simply pleasant it was to see that man’s smiling face. On Monday, I was reminded again how much I has missed seeing the entirety of another person’s face.

_______________________________

There has been a lot of interest in ways that we Americans could support the warriors in Ukraine. In the next few weeks, CV Weekly will spotlight some of the hometown heroes who have made contributions to this cause.

For those who want to offer financial support, here are a couple of ways of doing so:

Razomforukraine.org: We came across this organization from a Ukrainian woman who recommended it. According to its website, this project was created to provide urgent help and support in face of an extreme and unforeseen situation in Ukraine. Razom is responding by providing critical medical supplies and amplifying the voices of Ukrainians.

Thirdwavevolunteers.com: Third Wave Volunteers is a disaster relief non-profit 501(c)(3) set up to mobilize medical and non-medical responders and sustainable aid to underserved and affected communities. Their volunteers have run large refugee camps, field hospitals and resilience hubs after natural/man-made disasters and pandemics around the world for the past 22 years.

Right now volunteers are heading to Poland to offer assistance in bringing to the USA special needs orphans who have adoptive U.S. parents waiting for them.

World Central Kitchen (wck.org): This organization includes chefs from around the globe who serve thousands of fresh meals to disaster areas. Currently, WCK is serving meals to Ukrainian families fleeing home as well as those who remain in the country.

Note that not all donations can be designated for Ukraine.

I visited Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) to get some of the information on ways to donate but I’m sure there are others. I encourage everyone who can to find a way to ease the pain of those in Ukraine as they endure, what one woman called, “the monster who won’t leave Ukraine alone.”