Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
October 16, 2002
Unique Boutique benefit for Mullen Home slated Oct. 19
Event features a food bazaar, silent auction, drawings and lunch
By Jack Bacon
The Jeanne Jugan Auxiliary's annual Unique Boutique, its all-out fund-raiser for the Little Sisters of the Poor at Mullen Home for the Elderly, is scheduled 10-a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 19 at Most Precious Blood Church, 2200 S. Colorado Blvd.
The combined food bazaar, silent auction, cash-prize drawings, luncheon and all-day sale of donated items is a major source of the support the auxiliary has given the Little Sisters for the past quarter-century. The Unique Boutique contribution totals more than $600,000 over 21 years. Last year alone, it raised $25,000.
Kay Ballen, president of the auxiliary for the past three years, said a major project currently boosted by the organization is for new heating and air-conditioning at the home at 3629 W. 29th Ave., Denver. Previous contributions have helped pay for paint, buses, painting, and other repairs and renovation.
The Unique Boutique, billed as a "super sell-a-thon," features a wide range of antique and vintage items; a broad collection of old, new and rare jewelry; the Country Kitchen sale of home-baked goods, jelly, relish candy, etc.; the silent auction (bidding closes at 2:30 p.m.); and cash drawings for $1,000, $500 and $250 first-, second- and third-place prizes, and $50 prizes, as well.
Customers were advised to shop early for best selections — especially at the Country Kitchen.
Ballen said late donations of saleable items — no clothing — to the Unique Boutique are still being accepted.
Founded in France in 1839, the Little Sisters of the Poor came to the United States in 1868 and to the then Diocese of Denver in 1917, at the invitation of J.K. Mullen and Bishop Nicholas C. Matz, to supervise construction of Mullen Home, which opened the following year. In his book "Colorado Catholicism," author-historian Thomas J. Noel noted it was widely considered "the finest nursing home in Colorado" — a proud reputation it maintains and a factor in its long-standing waiting list for admission.
The Little Sisters continue their mission of serving the needy poor over age 60 — regardless of religion, race, sex or ethnic background — during the last years of their lives. The order currently numbers nearly 4,000 sisters serving 22,000 poor elderly in 242 homes, 32 of them in the United States and Canada, in 28 countries on six continents.
The auxiliary takes its name from Blessed Jeanne Jugan, founder of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor, whose service to the elderly poor began with her personal care, in her small home, of several ill and indigent older people and her begging for funds to support the effort. Many know the sisters for their continuation of the face-to-face solicitation of contributions.
Ballen pointed out the Unique Boutique is not the only fund-raising event the Jeanne Jugan Auxiliary sponsors. Next up is the Little Sisters of the Poor matinee benefit at Country Dinner Playhouse at 6875 S. Clinton St., just east of Interstate 225 and East Arapahoe Road. It's scheduled Nov. 10; doors open for dinner at noon and the show, "Holiday Spectacular," begins at 1:45 p.m. Admission is $40 per person.
She also emphasized the auxiliary always welcomes new members and contributions.
For Country Dinner Playhouse benefit reservations, call Kay Ballen, 303-337-7997; Jo Dire, 303-756-1994; or Jane Mohan, 303-377-2378. For Unique Boutique information or inquiries about the Jeanne Jugan Auxiliary, call Kay Ballen.
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