3,284 diapers and wipes - photo by Laura Clark

On May 1, the Los Angeles chapter of Help a Mother Out threw a Date Night Cocktail Party in Encino, CA.  Hosted by myself,  Julia from Safety Graphic Fun and LA Metblogs, and Tania from Pure Natural Diva who also opened up her home to us, the evening featured wine and snacks by Fresh and Easy, a selection of Tillamook cheeses, and healthy iced teas and soft drinks from Steaz.

My first take-home message from this event is that we collected 3,284 diapers and 1,000 wipes.  The men and women of our community are incredibly generous, showing that even if they don’t have children, they understand how horrible it can be to be a baby without diapers.  I’m pleased to have given people the opportunity to have a great night out while also contributing to a good cause.

Another lesson learned – this was the easiest party I ever put together.  I’m so glad I was healthy enough to attend!  I used Event Brite to manage invitations and RSVP’s and the guest list.  I highly recommend having co-hosts and throwing your next party at someone else’s house.  Having two other well-connected women involved meant three times the promotion, and a division of hosting duties throughout the evening.  Each of us was free to work the room.

The pre-packaged foods from Fresh & Easy were simple to plate and present, and the cheese – well, all we did was slice some cheese and put it out on platters with assorted accompaniments.  Keeping to the wine theme meant a streamlined bar.  Tania is all about conservation and recycling, so we didn’t use any paper products.  To that end, she had hired someone to help clear plates and glasses and keep freshly washed ones coming.

Yvonne and Todd Condes, Sarah Auerswald, and Stacy Surabian - photo by Laura Clark

...and there's Laura Clark, right, with Florinda Pendley-Vasquez

The guests were able to mix and mingle and talk with each other without shouting because the groovy music, provided by DJ Brian Klotz, was kept at a level that entertained without drowning out all other sound.  For additional entertainment, we had a few hours in the Game Truck, where party-goers bowled, raced, or rocked out with Rock Band.

The turnout was fantastic, with few no-shows.  I was happy to see many of my fellow Los Angeles Moms bloggers in attendance, lots of friends, and lots of new and interesting people, too.  The fact that we kept the guest list to 50 or under (not age, number) meant that people were able to have real conversations.  The last guest didn’t leave until close to 11:30 PM.  It all goes to show you that these Valley moms and their friends can still party, yo.

But we party with a purpose.

Julia, Kim, and Tania - photo by Sarah Auerswald

Thank you!