Thora's Thimbles...

Good morning, Dear Members -

Because of the many calls, notes and emails inquiring about Thora, I thought I would post this interim Blog to respond to you all.

As many of you know Thora has passed away and her husband John asked that I relay the following information to you.  Her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 4th at 2:00pm at the Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, 960 Santa Cruz Avenue.  A reception will follow.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.  Checks may be made payable to Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health and sent to the Foundation at 400 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 340, Palo Alto, CA 94301.  (please note on your check that you are a member of the Palo Alto Auxiliary.  That way we will get credit toward our annual donation to the hospital.  It is the donor that needs to be a member in order for us to get credit.

All of us are dedicated members of PAA and we all work as hard as our time and physical prowess allows us. However, our work pales next to Thora's incredible dedication and hard work.
From the day she joined PAA in 1986 she was active in every project needing her time and talents.
She was a Tuesday Hostess, President of PAA and on the Board of Directors before and after her presidency alternating between the office of Treasurer and Finance chairperson.  She worked on the Bylaws committee, the American Girl Fashion Show and was an avid supporter of our Restaurants with Heart Project.  In 2009 she started the very successful Pillows and Blankets workshop, welcoming us all into her home every month to produce pillows and blankets for the children. From our work there and in our homes, Thora was able to bring 40 -50 beautiful pillows every month for the hospital and the teen van!

This was a project very dear to her heart and the Board voted to continue with it.  To honor her we have renamed the project "Thora's Thimbles"  Resuming in January, the meetings will be held as usual at 10:00am on the second Tuesday of each month. Thora held all the meetings at her home.  She has left us all the supplies and directions on how she ran the workshops. However, we will need members to volunteer being hostesses for the meetings

Stephanie Beech has graciously offered her home for the meetings from January to June.  All are welcome to be part of this project whether you can attend the workshops or if you can work at home or if you would like to just send fabric and "stuffing" for the pillows.  We would welcome all who would like to participate in this worthwhile endeavor.  It is so needed and appreciated by the hospital staff and the teen van staff.  The children and their families have shared how much those pillows mean to them.

If you are interested in participating in this ever so worthwhile project please contact Sarah Beetem at
650-968-8409 or sgbeetem@gmail.com

Thora was a role model for all of us with her warmth and dedication and we will miss her.

Luisa