There has been a lot of fallout from the economic downturn, lagging sales forcing retailers to push Christmas sales as early as Labor Day, countless store closings, job losses, and lots of other unpleasant realities that have hit steadily, like a constant pummeling across all sectors of our society. But just like hard times eras of the past, there are those who find a way to take those punches, get up, and still come right back into the ring. One of those people is Cheryl Bennet. I met up with her just before her guests arrived for her 7th annual “Swap Party” at her cozy home on the near south side of Milwaukee. Her solution to all the woes of the world is to have a gathering of friends over for food, drinks, and the fun of sharing items that they don’t need, want, or use anymore with each other!! Let’s see how this plucky gal pulled all this together, via my interview with her.
There has been a lot of fallout from the economic downturn, lagging sales forcing retailers to push Christmas sales as early as Labor Day, countless store closings, job losses, and lots of other unpleasant realities that have hit steadily, like a constant pummeling across all sectors of our society. But just like hard times eras of the past, there are those who find a way to take those punches, get up, and still come right back into the ring. One of those people is Cheryl Bennet. I met up with her just before her guests arrived for her 7 annual “Swap Party” at her cozy home on the near south side of Milwaukee. Her solution to all the woes of the world is to have a gathering of friends over for food, drinks, and the fun of sharing items that they don’t need, want, or use anymore with each other!! Let’s see how this plucky gal pulled all this together, via my interview with her.
Bjorn: What is your occupation?
Cheryl: I am a Realtor for Coldwell Banker. I’ve lived in Milwaukee my entire life. I love it here and sometimes call myself “Milwaukee’s #1 cheerleader.”
B: How do you describe your personal style?
C: I like quality clothing and accessories with simple, clean lines and very few patterns. I’m especially partial to fine fabrics like silk, cotton, and wool.
B: What made you come up with the idea of having “Swap” parties?
C: I came up with the swap idea on my own. It just occurred to me that it would be a fun way to get rid of one’s unwanted items, while getting some new ones. Since I had the first one a year or more ago, I’ve read about people having them in magazines, online articles, and more. I think that in the current economy, a no- cost way to refresh your wardrobe is an especially welcome idea.
B: What do you enjoy most about having the “new to you” parties?
C: I’d say it’s a tie between the friendships that are forged and strengthened, and the fact that everything that isn’t taken home by guests at the party (which turned out to be a full carload) gets donated to a low-income senior center here in Milwaukee on the South side. The fact that everyone always finds a few exciting new treasures to take home with them are pretty cool too! I am in a serious “cleaning out the clutter” mode so I am tentatively planning on having two more swap parties before spring, one in January and one in March.
B: You must have a lot of stuff!! What is your advice for people who want to hold their own recession busting get together?
C: I’ll give you a run down of what you need to do:
1. Organize the items within your home (or whatever venue you plan on using). For example clothing in one room or area, accessories and shoes in another, etc.
2. Limit attendance according to the space you have available for the party. If you have too many people that attend, things can get chaotic. The items pile up to the point that people can’t really look through them efficiently. With too few people, there won’t be enough stuff to create a shopping environment! I typically have approximately 15 people in my small home.
3. Find a charity that will pick up all of the leftover items from your home. That will save you time and energy, and make the experience much more fun. That is truly a win-win situation.
With that, the party got underway as guests filed into the small home. Ms. Bennet made sure there was plenty of finger food and snacks for her pals, as well as wine and other beverages that kept things “jolly”. Many of the gals were laughing as they sorted through items and searched for a “find”. What I noted most was just the interaction of the women, and camaraderie they had as friends, joking and sharing updates on what was going on in their lives. One woman emerged from the “clothing room” which really was a small bedroom jammed with racks and piles of gently used garments, wearing an oversized sweater. Another gal quickly stated to her: “I have to let you know that I think that sweater just doesn’t do anything for you.” After a short pause, the offended lady laughed and said, “Well, this is what I came in wearing!” Much laughter ensued after that bon mot!
The takeaway? It’s always nice to organize our homes, acquire new things and to clear out all the clutter. It’s equally great if not more so, to donate our overabundance to others in need. Do you want to know the best lesson of all? Friends, laughter, and the Milwaukee “can do” spirit, can make any tough situation better, by sharing your food, fashion, and philanthropy with others. Please remember to count your blessings this holiday season, and reach out to those in need in any way you can.
