it's almost time!

The party is this Saturday and we can hardly wait! It's really two parties, first at Dock Street from 2-5, then at VIX Emporium later into the evening. We've got some great live music lined up for both. At Dock Street from 2-3:30, it's authentic Philly blues with the one and only Shakey Lyman, accompanied by bass player and VIX co-owner Sean Dorn. Later at VIX, Melissa and Jim from the Oubliette Ensemble will get medieval on your ears with a harp and a flute.

As for the raffle, we've got so many amazing prizes that we've split up the drawing into two events, one at each venue. Here is one of the most amazing contributed so far, a pair of sterling silver butterfly wing earrings made especially for the occasion. The artist is Ruth Zelanski, who calls her line of jewelry Contagious, because of the inspiration she finds in the natural world, including molds, viruses and fungi.

It's not too late to buy raffle tickets for your chance to win one of the many prizes donated by our generous friends and neighbors. You can get them online, at VIX, at Mariposa or at the event Saturday. All ticket sales go directly to the co-op, as do a portion of sales from VIX and Dock Street during the event.
Thank you and we hope to see you Saturday! (but you don't have to come to the party to win a prize!)

a metamorphosis!

Metamorphosis is the physical transformation that a caterpillar goes through when it turns into a butterfly. So, when we decided to have a fundraising event for the transformation of Mariposa (which means butterfly in Spanish) it seemed like the perfect title.

It's finally a reality, Mariposa has found a new location for the next phase if its life. It is five times bigger than the existing storefront and only one block away. All along it has been actively seeking contributions and loans from its members to make it possible. After it's completed, the new store will not only be an expanded source of healthy food for West Philly residents, but also a dramatic improvement to the block and the Baltimore Avenue commercial corridor in general. As a neighborhood resident, business owner and co-op member, having this event can be nothing but beneficial to myself and the entire neighborhood.

We've only just started the ball rolling, but already so many other local businesses and artists have agreed to help by donating prizes for the raffle, like gift certificates, restaurant meals, even baked goods and dog walks. Here is the first "tangible" raffle prize to arrive, a handmade butterfly plate by In Situ Decorative Arts. It is decoupaged with vintage images and vellum and would make a lovely addition to any Thanksgiving table.

Please help the transformation by buying raffle tickets and supporting businesses who will be participating on November 20. The raffle will be held at Dock Street and also at VIX. The list of prizes is growing every day - if you'd like to contribute a prize, please let us know. Thank you!

Emily