Rustic Love's quarterly update

A note from our Executive Director...

Today is GivingTuesday, a special day celebrating "radical generosity." Radical generosity showcases the transformational powers of empathy and solidarity. These concepts have been instrumental in the success of Rustic Love these past three years. Our amazing community was inspired by our simple heart -- and through that inspiration created a movement to help those in need in our region that are experiencing food insecurity. That is empathy and solidarity rolled into one! We hope you continue to support our mission and invite you to participate in this special Giving Tuesday by joining our "Tenner Challenge" -- donate just $10 and see how the solidarity behind that idea can create amazing results for kids and families in need. See our video featuring our "Founding Kids" to get more information or donate here!

We also hope to see you this Sunday at the Holiday Artisan Market. More details are below. Thank you for your continuing support!

Michelle Connors

Founder & Executive Director

Upcoming Pop-up Sale!

Mark your calendars for this Sunday, December 3 from 12-4 at the Vienna Open Air Holiday Artisan Market at 243 Church St in Vienna. We will be joining many of your other favorite local artisans and vendors to help you check off your gift-giving list with the most unique hand-crafted items! Shop Local!

In partnership with local clay artisan, Mud Tree Designs, we will be unveiling our limited edition 2023 ornament, plus many new olivewood products engraved with our trademarked heart. This is the year of the "olivewood Spurtle" - a useful kitchen item with a cute name! Hope to see you there!

3rd Quarter 2023 Recipient Spotlight:

James Madison High School PTA

We were happy to once again support this wonderful local school pantry! They work with students in need year-round, providing much-needed healthy food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and grocery gift cards. The pantry is also stocked and supported by student in the Work Awareness and Transition (WAT) Program, giving them an opportunity to practice essential job skills. Thank you to the JMHS Pantry for your service to the community!

Our 2023 Ornament...and more!

We are excited to offer special heart items for the 2023 holiday season!

Our limited-edition clay ornament, hand-made by the talented Kristy Schulenberg from Mud Tree Designs
Our Rustic Love olivewood items, including charcuterie boards with sea blue resin inlays, and the Spurtle, which is a spatula with a cute name and shape
Our 2023 Holiday Card, designed by local teen artist, Eva Kay McKinley

Adult Volunteer Spotlight:

Helen Schindler

Helen has volunteered with us since 2020 and is a leader of our Core Volunteer Team. She lends her talents and work ethic to many facets if our organization - from sign and ornament creative work, as well as securing discounts on supplies to help keep our costs down.

A talented artist in her own right, Helen has a heart for volunteerism and donates her time to many families and organizations in the Vienna community. Thank you Helen!

Student Volunteer Spotlight:

Eva Kay McKinley

Eva is the talented teen artist who designed the 2023 Rustic Love Holiday Card! Though she recently relocated, Eva spent her childhood in Vienna and offered her wonderful talents to create a beautiful watercolor representing her love for Vienna and her admiration of the community spirit behind Rustic Love. "I am so happy to be able to contribute to Rustic Love in this way. Vienna means so much to me!"

Eva is available for commissioned work. Contact her for more info.

Build Crew Spotlight:

Westwood Country Club

Local resident Ann Wyborski spearheaded and build and sale of our yard signs to the families of Westwood Country Club. Established in 1954, Westwood features a beautiful 157-acre golf course in the heart of Vienna, and the club also has a heart for supporting non-profits in our community. We were so thankful to work with Ann, who has a heart for families in need and supported this collaboration so fully.

Partner Spotlight: Achikian Goldsmiths

Achikian Goldsmiths is our own small town family jeweler. Ken Achikian is a master goldsmith and this year celebrated 30 years in business! We've partnered with them to offer a delicate Rustic Love heart charm - a timeless representation of the kindness and caring we have witnessed in our community. It is available to order in sterling silver, 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold and rose gold. It makes a perfect holiday gift!

How can you help support our mission?

Each quarter, our Board of Directors reviews our grants schedule and determines the donations we make in our community. In 2023, our main focus has been to support local school food pantries and assist them with grants to help their students and families. Please consider making a financial donation to us via PayPal or credit card and shop our site anytime to get your own items with our trademarked open heart. Your kind support makes a difference in the lives of families in our community.