Yesterday fresh-E and I participated in a Macerich Centers-sponsored nationwide Step Out, Step Up volunteer event to support the Step Up Women’s Network. The event gathered volunteers from local communities across the country to stuff more than 30,000 wellness bags for women cancer patients. Retailers from Twenty Ninth Street and Flatiron Crossing (the home of this year’s big FP Warehouse Sale) donated goods and services to be included in the gift bags. Fresh Produce donated 600 deliciously soft Cozy Robe bath robes, complete with FP employee hand-written notes. There were so many nice women gathered to stuff bags that we finished in record time, which meant all the more opportunity to enjoy the other fun stuff provided by participating retailers, like makeovers from MAC and yoga demonstrations by Lululemon!

All in all it was a successful event and a great way to spend just 2 hours of our time making a difference in the community. We feel good about working with companies like Macerich that go the extra mile to help out in the communities where they do business (we have stores in 2 Macerich centers - FP Gilbert and FP Scottsdale). The wellness bags will be distributed through a partnership with local affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society just in time for Mother’s Day this weekend. We surely hope the goodies and well wishes bring some smiles to their recipients. Be well.