Bloom Marin’s annual fundraising event, held virtually on May 27, was geared to assisting Marin families who have fallen on hard times and cannot afford clothing for work or school.
The volunteer-run non-profit, which has been based in downtown San Rafael since 1999 and was originally known as Image for Success, operates a retail storefront designed to provide complimentary wardrobes as well as life skills training for men, women and children transitioning to a life of self-reliance. Bloom also serves individuals in substance abuse recovery programs, who are victims of spousal abuse, as well as others who are homeless, jobless, or suffering from economic hardship.
Emceed by Keith McLane of KLM Auctions, the online event and auction featured inspiring stories by clients who have utilized Bloom’s services to improve their lives. One such story was shared by Bloom’s client of the year, Joshua Steele, a former college football star who was tragically shot in the back at a college party, requiring him to leave school, endure multiple surgeries and eventually, become addicted to pain medication. Struggling to turn his life around and to find work, he turned to Bloom for help; the day after he was dressed at Bloom he had an interview with Wells Fargo and landed a job.
Along with former Executive Director Lenice Smith, the event was attended by Advisory Council Member Polly Elkin, Interim CEO Sherene Chen, board member Sue Boland, Board Vice President Arun Burrell, Board President Windi Snearly, and Board Treasurer Lara Hoth.
Event sponsors included Richard Gallagher, Caldwell Law Firm, Bank of Marin, Carolyn M Hacker, Tweeten Eldercare, Westamerica Bank, and Relevant Wealth.
For more on Marin:
- MarinMOCA’s Altered Book Exhibit and Fundraiser Supports Local Artists
- The North Bay Red Cross Honors Their Volunteer of the Year, Mill Valley’s Janet Rogoff
- Food For Thought Raises More Than $106,000 to Address Food Insecurity and Support Illness-Prone Individuals in Sonoma County
Donna Berry Glass is a freelance writer in Marin County who writes mostly about family and kid-oriented topics. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family exploring the natural beauty of Marin, snuggling with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel while reading a good book or whipping up something delicious in her space-challenged kitchen. Donna is a supporter of the California Academy of Sciences, a world-class science museum and research institution, and the Institute on Aging which provides much-needed services to seniors and disabled individuals.
