Barbecue Benefits Babies and Children

Abused/neglected children reap rewards from local charity event.Semi-annual barbecue,band and donations make dual event work.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What happens when a couple spends their days indulging their creative whims, collecting treasures by their favorite artists, all while relaxing to island tunes? Some would call this a working vacation. Megan and Rick Patrick call this Floridays Gallery & Gifts. Whether it is good Karma or just good business, they have built a successful retail shop on doing what they enjoy, surrounding themselves with what they love while doing some good.

Twice a year, Floridays hosts a complimentary party in the store, with proceeds benefitting Hibiscus Childrens' Center. Hibiscus is a sadly necessary facility that provides shelter for abused and neglected children in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties. The mood on Sunday, June 8 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. will be fun and upbeat at this semi-annual fundraiser. Floridays will be celebrating their Grand Opening at a new, expanded location, as well as supporting Hibiscus Children's Center with a free barbecue, refreshments, and live music.

In addition to community support, Floridays gives support to over 100 American artists year 'round, by showcasing their works, long after the art show season is over. Offerings of funk-tional art,created by full time professional artists from across the country, as well as mentoring several local part time artists, is what makes this store stand out.

An array of island inspired gifts, handcrafted by artisans from Key west to Hawaii are on display all year. They admit that this is not very hard work. The couple/business partners had been filling their waterfront home in Palm City with these unique items for the 10 years prior to opening their store in downtown Stuart three years ago. In fact, it was the thrill of accumulating their personal collection of upbeat, colorful, handcrafted art that inspired them. The store was founded as a result of Megan's frustration. "I couldn't find any unusual gifts,or handmade things, made by fellow Americans in this area. Buying American Made means a lot to me. There is such incredible talent in this country and no place to get those items after the art show season is over. We opened a store that fills that niche." she said. "Floridays is one of the few local businesses that can proudly display Made In America signs. Most gifts here, are made in the U.S.A. It gives us great satisfaction to offer our community a choice."

It is no wonder that they have already outgrown their original Floridays location and moved across the street to 608 Colorado Avenue, nearly doubling their retail space.

Megan shares her simple business philosophy. "To be successful, you must use your talents, do what you love, and share with your community. When you do, everyone reaps the reward." This approach has served her well. While helping local charities such as Hibiscus Children's Center, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association, Hospice and organizations such as Junior League, United Way, The Women's Club of Stuart, The Martin Memorial Foundation, and boosters of Martin County High, South Fork High, Community Christian and St. Michael's schools, Floridays' popularity has grown among their volunteers and supporters.

Whether it is a good business plan or a wonderful lifestyle, for Floridays Gallery & Gifts (and the Patricks), it simply works.

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photos/slides available upon request
Floridays
phone 772-287-0777
fax-772-287-1985
email-floridaysgallery@aol.com