8507571280?profile=RESIZE_710xCo-Chairwomen Martha Grimm and Lisa Jankowski. Photo Provided

By Amy Woods

COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of business, personal and social life in South County and beyond, including the cherished charitable community.

Of the nonprofits whose work enhances and improves the lives of people in need, Wayside House in Delray Beach is among the oldest and best. The 46-year-old women’s addiction-treatment center has 23 residential beds and aids about 300 clients each year; others receive help through intensive outpatient systems and, because of the pandemic, telehealth medicine.

“With people not being able to connect and not being able to have the facilities they’ve had in the past, opioids, alcohol — it’s all really escalated,” said Martha Grimm, co-chairwoman of the organization’s Spring Boutique, an annual affair that will take place online Feb. 16 through 18. “I think more than ever programs like this are needed.”

This year marks the first in the Spring Boutique’s history that loyal followers will not be able to enjoy three days of in-person mixing and mingling while browsing for that special something. Yet the new — and necessary — format has not ebbed the enthusiasm of the more than two dozen vendors from around the country who ordinarily would make the trek to Florida for the fundraiser.

“I think this year we’re just happy to put something online,” Co-Chairwoman Lisa Jankowski said. “We’re just happy to have this opportunity to move our event forward. We don’t want to be forgotten.”

Everything from classy clothing to home décor to stunning jewelry will be offered via links to merchants’ websites set up on the Wayside House homepage. Twenty percent of sales will go to the cause.

“The vendors have been just wonderful,” said Marlene Passell, the center’s marketing and communications director. “We’re very optimistic and hope that the people who have been attending the event in the past will continue to support us online.”


If You Go
What: Spring Boutique
Dates: Feb. 16, 17 and 18
Where: Links to merchants at www.waysidehouse.net
Information: 561-666-5919 or the website

Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.

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