Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) deeply appreciates the generosity in donations and contributions to help the women and children who live at the Nest in Ruidoso Downs. It is truly remarkable how members of this community continue to come up innovative ways to contribute to the cause, combining much time, energy and creativity. Local resident Catherine Allred recently jumped on board once again to spearhead an especially creative and adorable donation.
The staff at HEAL caught wind of Allred’s idea when its’ Past Board President Debbie Haines-Nix, a co-member of the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood, shared Allred’s invitation to attend a baby shower unlike all others. The shower was for Kate Middleton, also known as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, America’s favorite fashion icon and wife of Prince William. All baby gifts received at the Duchess’ shower were earmarked to be donated to The Nest women’s domestic violence shelter.
This was not the first royalty-inspired party Allred had hosted. She has done similar projects including a bridal shower for Princess Diana and another when Duke William and Duchess Kate were married. “I’ll take any excuse to entertain. It makes me clean my house,” Allred stated, as she showed off some of her handmade party favors, guessing jars and decorations.
This was also not the first time Allred had worked with the Nest. She has donated 20 pillowcases to the shelter for use in the rooms. Each has carefully selected patterns, from Looney Tunes to Spiderman, which appeal to children and help warm up the rooms. “And they’re exceptionally well-made,” Allred was careful to mention. She has also donated pillowcases to other organizations, such as a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, through a group of seamstresses organizing under a One Million Challenge. Together, her group has donated 590 pillowcases, aiming to complete 1,000 by Christmas.
Her husband, ENMU President Clayton Allred, shared his appreciation for what Catherine does. As he alternately helped with the party preparation and stood clear out of the way, he said, “I believe that it’s important to support our community and its agencies. I think this is such a great thing.”
Catherine Allred summarized her experiences by saying, “It is so much more fun to be engaged in art, parties, planning, whatever it is, if you’re also helping. I’m thrilled that this might make all the difference in someone’s day. It’s not a birthday or anything for my family. It’s just so much more fun like this. I’ve had a great time and I love the great reaction I’ve had from people wanting to come. I just love it.”
Catherine and Clayton Allred have generously offered their home, their time and their creativity in this project that will go a long way toward supporting residents of the Nest as they reconstruct their lives. The baby shower generated different baby gifts for donation to the Nest and also spreads the word about the shelter and its work.
Pictured is Catherine Allred of PEO Sisterhood, who created the royal baby shower to benefit the Nest.
