“You know how some people like to go shopping and call it their therapy? This is a shopping event that will be helping others get therapy,” said Lauren Morehouse, describing an event she is helping to organize. Called Retail (For) Therapy, a vendor fair will be offered at Julie Allen Bridals on Wednesday, November 5, from 6:30 to 9 pm.

Mrs Morehouse, a bridal consultant at Julie Allen Bridals, is also a consultant for the jewelry company Chloe + Isabel. She and fellow Julie Allen Bridals employee Liz Brestovansky, a consultant for Kokoon Clothing, wanted to do a fundraiser together, Mrs Morehouse said October 20.

“We wanted to do something that would bring together a diversified collection of vendors in our space,” Mrs Morehouse said. The show will be presented within the bridal salon at 154 South Main Street. Proceeds will be donated to the Newtown Lions Foundation Sandy Hook Elementary Fund (SHEF).

Established by the local Lions Club in the aftermath of 12/14 to help cover the counseling costs for Sandy Hook School students, their immediate families, SHES faculty, and first responders, SHEF merged earlier this year with efforts created by the Rotary Club of Newtown, Newtown Memorial Fund, and Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation. All groups are collaborating on The Recovery Fund.

The Lions continue to fundraise for their fund — which, by March 2014, had provided more than $350,000 in coverage fees to more than 250 people — but are allowing others to administer the funds.

“This is a way for local people to help other local people who need some help,” Mrs Morehouse said of Retail (For) Therapy and its mission to help SHEF. “It’s a quiet need, but it’s still out there.

SHEF, she continued, “is a cause that really benefits our community. It goes to people who really need it.”

When MaryAnn Cyr-Suarez heard about the event, she reached out to Mrs Morehouse to see if there was room for another vendor. A consultant for Jamberry, which offers heat-activated nail applications, she will also be participating in Retail (For) Therapy. Mrs Cyr-Suarez plans to have standard designs as well as some of her own green and white Sandy Hook-inspired designs available at the event.

“I saw the event page on Facebook and reached out to Lauren and asked if I could do anything,” said Mrs Cyr-Suarez, a niece of the late SHES principal Dawn Hochsprung.

A table will also be set up offering catalogs and products from Tastefully Simple, the company that offers food gifts and mixes, and servingware.

Organizers are also arranging for items to be sold through silent auction. As of this week, offerings include gift certificates from Butcher’s Best Market, a gift basket from Your Healthy Pet, manicures from Newtown Nail Spa, a blowout at Robert Anthony’s Hair Studio, a collection of items from Dunkin’ Donuts, an item from Queen Street Gifts & Treats, a visit from Queen Elsa (of Frozen fame), and a painting by Karolyn Arvov.

Julie Allen Bridals owner Melanie Mattegat said the artwork is a donation from a woman who bought her wedding gown at the salon.

“She did this after 12/14, but held on to it,” Mrs Mattegat said of the artwork. “She brought it to us after she heard about our special event, and asked what could be done with it. I think this is perfect.”

The painting measures approximately 12 by 16 inches. It is a simple view, depicting a blue sky with clouds and 26 gold angels.

Winners will not have to be present when the auction results are announced.

Finally, the event will have for purchase an exclusive series of polymer clay ornaments created by Laurel Boyd, a Maryland artist the team found via Etsy. The sale of the green and white heart-shaped ornaments, which are $10 each, will also benefit the Lions Club.

“She’s a stay-at-home mom who has beautiful work, and we really liked what she does,” said Mrs Morehouse, who reached out to Ms Boyd with a request to create 100 ornaments for the Retail (For) Therapy event. “When I explained what I was looking for, she said OK immediately,” Mrs Morehouse said.

“They’re really pretty,” said Mrs Cyr-Suarez. “They don’t even have to be Christmas ornaments. They’re the kind of design that can be hung year-round.”

The ornaments quietly debuted at Julie Allen Bridals on October 21.

“They’re so beautiful,” said Mrs Mattegat. “We are so pleased with them. Because they’re handmade, each one is a little different. They’re wonderful.”

After Retail (For) Therapy, the Boyd ornaments will continue to be sold at the bridal salon. They will also be available at Queen Street Gifts & Treats, 3 Queen Street.

Light refreshments will be served.

The women are hoping to offer some early holiday shopping with Retail (For) Therapy, while also helping others who may feel they are forgotten. They also like that shoppers will know exactly where their money is going.

“After [12/14], everyone was collecting money,” said Mrs Cyr-Suarez. “A lot of people got a bad taste in their mouth. You don’t always know where your money is going, and what it’s going to do.

“When you know where your money is going, it’s huge.”

For additional information, Julie Allen Bridals can be reached by calling 203-426-4378.