Boutique organizers from left to right:  Pam Scott, owner of Catch All in Westport; Ba Edwards, Time for Lyme Vice President for Special Events; and Libby Tuttle, owner of Designing Women.  

Shoppers and vendors displayed their generosity in multiple ways on October 20th at the Holiday Boutique to benefit Time for Lyme (TFL). Attendees at the Boutique, held at the Garden Education Center of Greenwich, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., purchased holiday gift items from various vendors while giving to TFL in the process. A portion of all proceeds was donated to the organization.

Fifteen enthusiastic exhibitors, most with a personal connection to Lyme disease, displayed their unique merchandise tempting consumers to buy. Everyone was excited to participate because “people like the idea of supporting the fight against Lyme disease,” said Libby Tuttle, Boutique organizer and owner of Designing Women. Mrs. Tuttle’s sister, who lives in Santa Fe, was diagnosed with Lyme disease after ten years and is still very ill.  She had to travel to Denver to be treated because there were no Lyme-literate doctors in New Mexico.

Another artisan, and co-owner of R Simantov Fine Jewelry, Reuben Simantov, a 30-year Lyme disease survivor himself, commented, “I’ve met some wonderful people at this event.  Everyone holds hands creating a chain of mutual support.”

There were also appraisers on hand at the shopping day fundraiser, who were kind enough to donate all their fees to Time for Lyme. Direct from www.Igavel.com, an online art auction website, was owner Lark E Mason, Jr.  With him was Helen F. Kippax, of The Antiques Brokerage House, Ltd, an art consulting and appraisal business. Both formerly of Sotheby’s, they appraised valued heirlooms with a suggested fee of $20 per item, or $50 for three.

This was the first time the Holiday Boutique was held, and all involved in the planning said it was fun and rewarding, and would set the standard for the following years. Barbara Edwards, TFL co-Vice President of Special Events, Mrs. Tuttle and Pam Scott, owner of Catch All, selected the merchants. The three ladies chose from a list of 40 to 50 vendors, being sure to include all price levels and an assortment of interesting items. Buyers could choose: custom blended teas; chic accessories; fine and hand-crafted jewelry; home decorations; clothing for men, women and children; and much, much more.

Positive attitudes prevailed. “People are more upbeat and spending more money,” said Matt Bridier of Castaway Clothing, whose dad is a Lyme disease survivor. Kathy Fish of Nantucket Sweaters echoed the sentiment saying she did great and would absolutely love to come back. The consensus was that it was a huge success with a good turnout, especially for a first-year show, which traditionally can be tough.

Time for Lyme used the occasion to advance its mission of educating the public about Lyme disease. A TFL table was set up in the center of all the exhibitors, where people could stop by to ask questions, obtain informative literature, sign-up to be on the TFL mailing list, and pick up a TFL baseball cap or Lyme disease bracelet.

The Holiday Boutique’s main purpose was to raise funds for research and education while increasing and promoting awareness of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of education and good research when it comes to diagnosing Lyme disease, according to TFL Co-President and one of the organization’s five co-founders, Diane Blanchard, who was at the event “helping our cause.” Time for Lyme continues to correct that deficit and is extremely dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Lyme disease sufferers and their families.

Progress has been made, evidenced by the fact that “Greenwich Hospital does a survey asking: What is the most important medical issue? The answer: Lyme disease,” said Blanchard. “With the ongoing generous support of our donors, and by continuing to raise funds through events such as today’s Holiday Boutique, much more progress can and will be made.”