Atwood Florist, Macera's fundraiser nets more than $1K for domestic violence

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Many of the vehicles that pulled into the parking lot at 1500 Oaklawn Ave. in Cranston Sunday visited Macera’s Italian Restaurant for more than soup and sauce.

Some 40 women filled the main dining room inside the famed eatery to fight domestic abuse and to raise money for the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County.

Moreover, Team AF/MM, or Atwood Florists and Megan Macera, served as co-hosts for the fun, food and fellowship fundraiser that was highlighted by an impressive lesson on the proper way to create boxwood trees.

“This is special!” exclaimed Louise Amaral, president of the Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter of Epsilon Phi Epsilon, whose sorority sisters took part in the unique event. “We’re very, very appreciative to John [Dick] of Atwood Florists and Megan [Macera] for what they’re doing for the Domestic Violence Resource Center.”

Dick, who owns and operates Atwood Florist at 1041 Atwood Ave. in Johnston, was excited to serve as co-host with Macera, whose family owns the aforementioned iconic Italian restaurant.

“Megan really went above and beyond for this special event,” Dick said. “All the food items are delicious and especially well-presented.”

The same held true for Dick’s lesson on how to make the highly popular boxwood holiday tree, which has become a favorite at Dick’s shop.

Sunday, in fact, was the second time in as many days that Dick held the now-popular class on the making of a boxwood holiday tree, as he hosted a group of 15 women at his 1041 Atwood Ave. location Saturday and has more classes scheduled for Dec. 3-4.

“I’m really, really enjoying this newfound venture,” Dick said with a smile. “Hey, after all, who doesn’t like getting dressed up for the holidays?”

Sunday, Dick taught all the attendees – who in some cases were accompanied by their children – how to use boxwood tips and floral foam to create a boxwood Christmas tree and even provided tiny decorations that ranged from pine cones to a drummer boy to garland bells to snowmen and stars.

Dick, who was assisted by Teddy DelPonte during Sunday’s lesson, also informed the Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae that if they water their boxwood trees at least once a week they could last for months. The trees are also able to be displayed indoors and outdoors depending on their preference.

Amaral later announced that, “because of everyone’s generosity today this class and our small raffle have resulted in $1,200 for the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County.”

Dick, meanwhile, explained that he’s offering classes for eight to 15 people at Atwood Florists at a cost of $40 per person, which includes the necessary items to make the boxwood Christmas trees.

As several Alpha Chi Omega sisters said while packing up their trees and soup or sauce: “This is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening creating lasting memories together.”

People who’d like more information about the Boxwood Christmas Lessons at Atwood Florists should call Dick at 274-7300. 1

BOXWOOD BUDDIES:

Louise Amaral, left, president of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority Alumnae Chapter, joins John Dick of Atwood Florists, Megan Macera of Macera’s Restaurant and Teddy DelPonte during Sunday’s unique Boxwood Christmas Tree Making Fundraiser in Cranston. (Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine) 2

AWESOME ALUMNAE:

These are some of the 40 Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae who participate in Sunday’s unique fundraiser that netted $1,200 for the ongoing battle against domestic violence.

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