What's in YOUR closet?

She's doing it again. So get your nice but tired-of stuff out of your closet and call Evonne to come 'n' get it. Evonne and her trusty band of volunteers are busily collecting, sorting, and tagging donations of high-quality new or gently used clothing and accessories for the second-annual Boutique Benefit, set for Saturday, May 3 at the Neighborhood Congregational Church. Proceeds will go the Laguna Relief and Resource Coalition, which provides food, clothing and services to low-income families, homeless individuals and local disaster victims. Last year's inaugural event brought in more than $10,000. To arrange a pick-up, call 949-497-2767 or e-mail info@boutiquebenefit.com. Donations can also be dropped off at the Resource Center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at 3305 Laguna Canyon Road, at Stan Oak Drive, just south of the Dog Park. All donations are tax-deductible. Information: 949-661-1236 or www.boutiquebenefit.com.

Evonne's Brainwave: Boutique Benefit May 12

My friend Evonne had a brainwave last holiday season.

While most of us were downing See's candy by the boxful and knocking back glögg, Evonne was helping feed homeless people down at the Presbyterian Church. This led to her sorting and organizing clothing donations at the Laguna Resource Center (a.k.a. the Laguna Relief and Resource Coalition www.lagunarelief.org).

And now she's gone and done it -- she's spending her days and nights prepping for the first-ever BOUTIQUE BENEFIT on Saturday, May 12 from 8:30 to 3 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church.

Many of Laguna's best boutiques have donated brand-new items to the sale, and through word-of-mouth appeals, dozens of spring cleanings in local households have turned up hundreds more gently-used donated items. The sale of these items -- clothes, accessories, shoes, handbags, jewelry, small decoratives -- will raise funds for the Laguna Resource Center.

Evonne is running out of space to store all the goodies, so if you have some room she can borrow for a few weeks, please get in touch with her at 949-661-1236.

Thanks for your fine example, Evonne! My closet is emptier (at the moment) for it, and your place in heaven is assured.