Bead for Life bash planned in Boca Grande

Boca Grande resident Boots Tolsdorf was watching TV one holiday season when a charity message smacked her right between the eyes. “I was watching 'The Today Show' near Christmas two years ago, which I rarely do, and there was a segment about giving back to people and helping people less fortunate,” Tolsdorf recalls. “I was entranced with the way that these organizations had started and immediately was hooked and knew I had to be involved.” She's already given one Boca Grande party on behalf of Bead for Life and Same Sky, which help African men and women learn a trade to help better themselves. She plans another at Fust Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 4-5.

“They used to be making $1 a day crushing stones, and now they are making about $15 to $25 a day,” Tolsdorf said. “They are living in their own homes, sending their kids to school and eating.”

Same Sky is a support group for women who are all HIV positive. They must have a decent meal at least once a day to be able to ingest and keep down their powerful albeit free meds.

The women are all required to meet quality controls and are followed by the organizations as they branch out and start their own careers such as growing pineapples or herbs and working in restaurants.

“It is amazing and all about giving these women — who have suffered terrible atrocities — some dignity and a chance to make something of their lives,” Tolsdorf said. “It is all about giving a hand up to women and making them self-sufficient and teaching them skills. I love the concept and I will continue to give parties.”

In addition to her Boca Grande events, Tolsdorf plans another in Nantucket this year as well as one in her hometown of West Chester, Pa.

Same Sky women start by crocheting glass beads together into bracelets and necklaces. Bead for Life involves making jewelry from recycled paper,

“Both these organizations are huge success stories that are built on home parties,” Tolsdorf said.