I wish every morning could start like this! After rushing to drop my two boys off at school and sitting through rush hour downtown traffic, I finally arrive at this oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown. The brand new Cafe Julia (opened May 1) in the Richards Street YWCA is an absolutely charmingly beautiful restaurant that serves a very delicious breakfast and lunch. I had the Local Style breakfast with scrambled eggs, mini ham steaks (delish!), and tater tots and thoroughly enjoyed each bite (I cleaned my plate).
It was such a treat to be able to sit, relax, and enjoy a delicious breakfast! But, the best part of my morning was having the opportunity to sit and talk with two inspiring and amazing women. This morning, I met with Kimberly Miyazawa Frank, the new CEO for the YWCA Hawaii, and I was impressed and inspired to learn so much about the YWCA and all of the amazing work they do for women. The YWCA, through its' Homebase housing project, provides transitional housing opportunities to economically disadvantaged women transitioning from challenging life circumstances to permanent housing. Up to 84 residents are able to be accomodated at one time and are provided breakfast and dinner (made by Cafe Julia staff) 7 days a week. Women also have access to a variety of self sufficiency resources to help them to find a job and permanent home.
One of the resources women in the homebase program are offered is the Dress for Success program. Dress for Success Honolulu provides professional attire to women who are referred from government agencies and non-profit organizations. The women in the program, who are often homeless, domestic violence survivors, or recently incarcerated, receive one suit as well as job interview coaching and mentoring before her job interview. Once she finds a job, she can return for a second suit. The Dress for Success program is so much more than simply providing clothing for women in need, it's about helping women to become economically self sufficient and to feel good about themselves from the inside out. It's about changing lives.
Join Valerie Kubota and A Little bit of Everything as well as myself and Bliss boutique at "SOul Beautiful" on Thursday July 12 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Venue in BambuTwo for an event benefitting the Dress for Success program and all of the wonderful, selfless work that they do. The event will include an awesome summer fashion show featuring dance group Blank Canvas and some of Hawaii's top models. DJ MassFunk will be there with amazing music and the Venue will have a full bar of decadent cocktails! Shop til you drop and bid at the silent auction, both benefitting the Dress for Success program! Tickets are $10 and include one cocktail (specialty martini or wine) and pupus. VIP tickets available for the first group of 20 or more. Click here to purchase tickets! If you are interested in donating to the silent auction, please email customerservice@shopblissonline.com .
This event might be small in size, but with all of your help we can make a difference in someone's life through the Dress for Success program. Sure, you'll be having the time of your life, but you can feel good knowing that while you're shopping for your own closet, you're changing a life by putting clothes into someone else's closet as well. Hope to see you there!
