The Assistance League Mardi Gras Gala and Auction annual fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 11th at the Hotel Bellwether.

The event begins with a Silent Auction from 5-7 pm. Dinner will be served at 7 pm followed by a Dessert Dash and Live Auction. Tickets are $65 per person. A cash bar is available.

For more information, please email Nanci Zander at jnzander@comcast.net or call 360-398-2069.

Live Auction Item Preview!

Silent Auction Item Preview!

Silver Reef Hotel Casino & Spa Overnight Stay

Sherlock Holmes Chess Set

Kahler Glen Golf & Ski Resort Condo, Leavenworth – two nights

Janice Bethman painting – Lummi Island

Masquerade Wine Company – Wine Tasting Party for Sixteen

“Gardening Amongst the Fairies” Gift Basket

Handcrafted Cathedral Birdhouse

Handcrafted Birdseye Maple Cutting Boards

Great Harvest Bread Gift Basket

Whatcom Symphony – two tickets for two shows

“Jane Austen Victorian Tea Party” Gift Ensemble Basket

Kinross Cashmere Sweaters

Appel Farms Gourmet Basket

Claire Vg Thomas Theater & Dinner for Eight

Oak Wine Barrel Tray

Handmade Sterling Silver & Stone Pendant

Thrive Business Group is an elite team of financial support professionals committed to helping our clients’ thrive – in business and in life. Our team members truly understand the challenges and rewards of living an entrepreneurial lifestyle – we have personal experience running businesses in the accounting, financial services, online marketing, real estate, home-based direct sales, and retail industries.

A savvy business owner knows the different between activities that generate revenue and those that don’t. Our team handles the bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, and financial reporting functions so our clients can focus on the highest and best use of their time leading their ventures.

We are honored by the trust our clients place in us to help them create accurate financial reports, pay the minimum legal and ethical amount in tax, oversee their financial business operations, and let go of the accounting details in their lives to focus on what matters most.

Come hear Siobhan Murphy, CPA share the latest & greatest offerings  at Thrive Business Group:

Thrive Business Group is led by B. Siobhan Q. Murphy. Siobhan brings 12 years of accounting experience and entrepreneurship to her role as Consulting Director. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Western Washington University; is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and a Certified Financial Manager (CFM). She has taught college-level accounting courses at Charter College, and served as the Finance Director, Treasurer, President, and Director at a variety of local non-profit organizations.

She has applied her accounting and business experience to a wide range of industries including not-for-profit, public accounting, privately held small business, home-based business, and individuals. She has served businesses from start-up to millions of dollars in annual sales with specialization in businesses from $0 – $500,000 in annual profit.

Siobhan loves to serve her clients with a cheerful smile and an infusion of fun. She’s been known to say, “If we’re not having fun, then we need to do something different!” She is passionate about education so that self-employed individuals and small business owners are empowered with a deeper understanding of the financial workings of their businesses, which results in more effectively leadership of their businesses to support their lives.

At Thrive Business Group, we believe it’s about Your Life. Your Business. In That Order.

Pop Quiz!  Test your knowledge of medical insurance in Washington State.

With a myriad of medical insurance options – from coverage, policy type, providers, carriers, group size, and more – it can be dizzying to attempt to find the right fit for you or your group.  Carolyn Gill of Rice Insurance is a knowledgeable and experienced agent with your best interest at heart in navigating the maze of medical insurance options. She will help you understand your options so that you can make a fully informed decision to fit your needs and budget.

Ever wonder how to boost your business to the next level?

Never doubt the power of in-person business networking!

Come hear how connections through Whatcom Women’s Network helped Realtor Julie Carpenter exceed the national average for closed transactions in 2011.

• Is the market getting better?
• Is it time to buy or sell?
• See featured properties in several price ranges.
• Hear the update on all the Whatcom County Real Estate Stats 12.31.11
• Bring your real estate questions!

Since 1976, Northwest Youth Services has been the doorway to safety and the pathway to progress for thousands of young lives. Much has changed in our communities during those years. What has not changed is the commitment of NW Youth Services to supporting the uniqueness of each youth served.

For runaway, homeless, “throw-away”, abused, neglected and other at-risk youth and young adults, NW Youth Services is their lifeline. NWYS’s mission is: to keep youth safe, heal family relationships, reconnect youth to the community and promote self-reliance.

Please join us to learn about this valuable community resource, their programs, and how we can be a part of the solution.

With the media bombarding us with “Black Friday” “Cyber Monday” “Dow soars on holiday sales” and “Great Gifts for under $200,” it’s easy to lose sight of what is truly important this holiday season.  Add a dose of family dynamics, large groups in small spaces, and enough holiday parties to make your head spin, it’s a miracle anyone can sit back, relax, and enjoy authentic connections with dear ones during the holidays.

Virginal Malmquist, counselor / therapist, shares tips for Holiday Sanity – from defining what is truly important to you this holiday season to how to enjoy harmony with extended family.  Join us:

Virginia Malmquist, M. ED., helps individuals, couples and families create healthier, happier lives.  Sessions take place in a quiet cabin on 20 wooded acres complete with a large pond and great blue herons.  A sliding scale ensures services are affordable for all.

“The Community Energy Challenge makes achieving energy efficiency as easy as possible from start to finish. We provide each participating household and business with quality information, a full energy assessment, a customized energy action plan detailing cost-effective measures, assistance with utility and tax rebates, attractive and accessible financing opportunities, reliable contractors, and quality assurance.”

Business Owners & Individuals are invited to learn about the Sustainable Connections Community Energy Challenge

Learn how to save on your energy bills and live & work in a sustainable way.

In a marketplace where everyone promises the lowest rates, a voice of reason stands out. Sure, you can get a low rate many places, but do you truly have the protection you want, need, and deserve. Understanding your insurance protection and having stellar service to back it up is worth much more than the cost of insurance alone.

Christina Abundis of Farmer’s Insurance, helps you protect your assets with insurance policies including homeowners,renters, flood and automobile insurance as well as umbrella policies.

Confused about insurance? Christina specialize in educating and truly serving clients. Contact Christina to receive a free quote!