FRONTLINE: Doing Good With Christa’s Community

Much to Give

Much to Give

Making a difference starts with leading by example—a simple philosophy that rings true for Christa Schmidt, who grew up watching her mother and grandmother play active roles in community outreach. Over the years, she’s been involved with the Philadelphia Zoo, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Laurel House, Main Line Rescue, Children’s Hospital, Project Home and the Pennsylvania Ballet.

In September, she launched Christa’s Community, a charitable division of her esteemed Strafford women’s boutique. “We’ve always done charity work, but now we have a more structured way to give,” says Schmidt.

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Her first fundraising effort was a ladies’ cocktail and shopping night benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. And now through Dec. 20, Christa’s will serve as a drop-off point for Toys for Tots, with donors receiving 20 percent off that day’s purchase. In addition, gifts will be picked up from the homes and businesses of those who are unable to get to the store.

Schmidt believes Christa’s Community will take on a life of its own as word spreads. But for now, it’s aiming to host two cocktail events a year, along with three month-long fundraising programs for area charities throughout the year.

“Creating Christa’s Community puts us out there,” she says. “Organizations can get to know us and we can get to know them. Our hope is that people will submit proposals—we don’t know all the wonderful charities out there.”

For more information on Christa’s Community, call (610) 687-8825.

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