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Club Plans Annual Boutique

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: February 25, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Sigrid Haseth designs and knits one-of-a-kind hats, scarves, shawls and slippers as gifts for friends and family members. She also creates and donates them to organizations that care for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

A few years ago she wore one of her favorite handmade fedoras to the Temple Terrace Woman's Club's annual Spring Boutique & Luncheon. It is an occasion that draws more than 40 high-end vendors from throughout Florida who sell a myriad of clothing items, jewelry and other accessories, floral arrangements, home decorations, pottery, gourmet food and more.

"My hat captured so much attention that it was my first and only time I've gone as a customer. That's because Anne Green, the vendor coordinator saw my hat and convinced me to be a vendor the following year," said the Tampa Palms resident, who shows and sells her items on few occasions.

This year's event on March 6 marks the group's 15th anniversary of hosting it and donating the profits to Temple Terrace area public schools, where the money is earmarked strictly for students' equipment and supplies not covered through public funding.

Haseth plans to be back as a vendor for the fourth consecutive time because she has always been impressed with how well organized it is and how many patrons it brings.

"The Temple Terrace Woman's Club ladies do a wonderful job, and it's for such a great cause," she said.

Green, also the event chairwoman, said the event started at the Woodmont Clubhouse in Temple Terrace in 1994 with about 10 vendors.

"It's a lot of fun, and the sit-down luncheon is really very nice," she said.

John Roessler of Brooksville will be there with his handmade spoon jewelry, including bracelets, rings and necklaces.

"My wife and I do a lot of antiquing, and I find and identify pieces of 'grandma's old silverware,'" Roessler said. "I've been doing this about six years, and I learned from an old hippy uncle of mine."

Lorry Roero's catch line for her trade, "Yesterday's heirlooms become today's treasures" follows her wherever she sets up a booth filled with a variety of items, including vintage jewelry that she creates from silverware.

"I make photograph stands with bent forks, and I make key chains and pendants. I also sell serving pieces made out of sterling silver," said Roero of Winter Springs, who attends many shows but considers the woman's club-sponsored event one of her favorites.

Sarasota resident Helen Tucker is excited to return with her line of clothing, handbags and jewelry she embellishes with her artistic touch.

"Many of my things are one of a kind," she said.

And Reba Cook of Temple Terrace can hardly wait to have guests try her healthy Xocai dark chocolates, made from cacao beans and natural sugars that she says are loaded with antioxidants.

Despite the sagging economy, club president Brenda Breeden hopes for a good turnout.

"Everything is unique unto itself," she said. "It's not just stuff you find at the mall with the mass shoppers."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The 15th annual Spring Boutique & Luncheon

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 6

WHERE: Alfano Conference and Banquet Center, 11606 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa

COST: $30 per person, and tickets must be purchased in advance

CALL: Anne Green, (813) 988-4431; Brenda Breeden, (813) 985-2978

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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