The McKee Hall was bustling with laughter, chatter, and the unmistakable buzz of excitement. That’s the scene that greeted us on the night of Friday, the 19th, as we kicked off our Chic Boutique event, a whirlwind of fashion, fun, and fundraising, all in the name of supporting the Women’s Ministry at Boardmills and Carr Primary School.

When Trish and I first embarked on this adventure, we knew we were onto something special. With a flurry of Teams calls, WhatsApp videos, and endless messages, the Chic Boutique event was born, fuelled by our shared passion for fashion and bringing the local community together.
Our mission was clear: to create an event that not only raised funds but also sparked joy and community! After spending hours organising clothes rails and tables, we realised that we actually had a new talent: extreme Tetris. Who knew that organsing donated clothes could be so challenging?

The generosity from our local community at Carr Primary School and Trinity Boardmills was fantastic, and we express our thanks to all those who got behind us to support this venture. A special mention goes to all the women who helped us set up the clothes rails and delivered tables, chairs, etc. and to those who called in just to give us moral support. Another special mention must go to Paula, who endured hours of organising rails and tables with Trish and myself; she dedicated her time, and we couldn’t have finished on time without all the help!

We were also delighted to be joined by stallholders extraordinaires – Rachel of Rachelgemcollection, Becky of Bountiful Blessings and Heather from Tropic Skincare, each adding their flair to the festivities and creating a special treat.

At 7 pm, the doors opened, and it was a sight to behold as our community poured in, eager to browse, shop, and most importantly, support a cause near and dear to our hearts. The opportunity for the local community to come to the church hall and make new connections and conversations. Everything was in place, and the rails were filled with fabulous finds, from chic dresses to funky accessories, all generously donated by our amazing supporters. With every tea, coffee, and bun enjoyed, the night was in full swing!

The event raised a fantastic total of just over £700 and Trish kindly counted and distributed the donation to the women in our church ministry and Carr Primary School.

Prayers lifted high, and our hearts full of hope, we set out on a mission to organise an event that would not only honour our faith but also bring joy to our community. Trusting God every step of the way, we prayed for his provision and blessing, and God delivered abundantly! The event was a smashing success filled with laughter, love, and an abundance of blessings. Reflecting on this joyful occasion, I am reminded of my favourite verse Proverbs 3 verses 5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.”

With love and gratitude,

Amanda x