While there are many great ways to give back to DDRC every winter, Lynn Fiedorowiz found a way that includes a few close friends, holiday treats, and a signature White Cranberry Martini.

Every winter, DDRC hosts our traditional Holiday Gift Card Drive, where $25 gift cards are collected with help from the community and then given to program participants in significant need during the holiday season. Each year, we hear from our program participants how much these gift cards make them feel valued and that they love that this gift gives them a sense of independence by giving them the power to choose how to use it.

Lynn got involved with this Holiday Gift Card Drive ten years ago by hosting a party at her house and asking her guests to bring a gift card to support the campaign.

“We have had this party for at least 10 years and invite close friends and neighbors to join us,” Lynn explained. “We provide drinks and ask that everyone bring an appetizer to share and a gift card for the drive.” The group always creates a signature cocktail. This year’s signature drink is A Winter White Cranberry Martini.

“Christmas is the season of giving, and this is an easy means to give to a cause that our friends are familiar with in knowing our son Jaime,” she shared. “It has become a holiday tradition, and it is good to know that a relatively small donation can make a difference in someone’s life.”

This year, Lynn has raised over $1,250 in gift cards! More than 50 individuals will receive a special gift thanks to her and her generous friends and neighbors.

It fills us with joy each winter to hear the excitement in Lynn’s voice when she calls to confirm that she is hosting her party once again. We know that she doesn’t want to be the only one getting joy from supporting DDRC in such a fun way, so we asked her what her advice would be for someone interested in hosting a give-back party for DDRC, “We would tell them to make it fun, low pressure, include donation request in the party invitation, make the party personal.”

We are always inspired by the unique ways that individuals give back to DDRC. Lynn, her close neighbors, and close friends truly make a difference each year – and you can, too. Check out other ways to get involved at: ddrcco.com/ways-to-give.