Natick Business to Host Charity Fundraiser

On April 12, Renew Arts and Industry will be open after their normal business hours, where they will be hosting an evening of sales, refreshments and fun. A portion of sales will benefit Angie's Spa, a Cancer foundation that funds free (in-hospital) massages and other integrative medicine services to men and women undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

We recently asked Diane Brooks Ring, one of Renew's three co-founders, about the event.

Patch: You’re the co-founder of Renew Arts and Industry. What does your store sell/do?

DBR: Renew is a gallery shop that offers a collection of original artwork, ceramics, hand-made cards, artisan jewelry and vintage mid-century furniture and decor to add style to your home and office environments. We also accept quality consignments for vintage and mid-century modern items. We believe that “Great Design Gives Life Style.”

Patch: You’re having a special charity event at your store. When is this event, and what can you tell us about it?

DBR: We’re thrilled to be hosting an evening of shopping, sips and snacks to benefit Angie's Spa Cancer Foundation on Friday, April 12 from 6-9 p.m. All are welcome to visit and enjoy special discounts on our vintage furniture, decor and original art, and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to Angie's Spa. The event will also feature jewelry from acclaimed designer Bree Richey.

We’re encouraging our visitors to put on some sixties mod fashion and join in the fun for a great cause!

Patch: How did you come up with this idea, and have you done anything similar in the past?

DBR: This is the first charity event we’ve hosted.  We were approached by Nancy Benson Berry, Executive Director of Angie’s Spa. As a part of its fundraising strategy, Angie’s Spa engages businesses to promote and support them.

We agree that in these collaborations, everyone wins – people have a good time and can shop at a discount, the business gets some visibility, and money is collected for a wonderful cause.

Patch: A portion of that evening’s sales will go to benefit Angie’s Spa Cancer Foundation. Tell us a little bit about Angie’s Spa, and why did you choose this charity?

DBR: Angie’s Spa is unlike any other cancer foundation that my fellow Renew co-founders Patrice Goldman and Marcia Brooks know of.

Angie’s Spa is not a spa -- it’s a foundation founded in memory of Angie Levy, who lost her life to breast cancer at the age of 36.  Angie’s Spa raises money to fund free in-hospital massages and other integrative medicine services to men and women undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.  There is now scientific evidence that these treatments help patients with alleviation of stress, side effects from treatments and blood counts -- yet most medical insurance plans do not cover these services.

Angie’s Spa is funded 100% by private donations, and 100% of the funds it raises goes to direct services for cancer patients.  Just entering their fifth year, Angie's Spa is currently funding 6 hospital programs throughout the country, including the UMass Health Alliance Hospital in Fitchburg.  

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of items and all donations from our event will go directly to the patients.  Everyone has been touched by cancer and we are proud to be supporting this wonderful organization.

Patch: What do you hope to accomplish with this event? Do you have any goals you’ve set, whether they’re related to spreading awareness or raising money?

Our goal is to raise visibility for Angie’s Spa, as well as to raise funds for the programs they offer.  In the process, we look forward to the opportunity to host a community gathering of friends old and new.