High Tide
Press Release
October 31, 2021
Women helping women is the mission of this program sponsored by the High Tide Women’s Collective on Amelia Island. The Collective will sponsor the second annual Trunk Show on Friday, November 12th from 11 am to 2 pm at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro featuring hand-made items by REthreaded, a non-profit organization that provides a second chance at life through employment for survivors of human trafficking in Jacksonville.
Kristin Keen founded REthreaded after she began forming relationships with women on the street realizing that their greatest need was for a safe, supportive work environment where they could learn skills, gain financial freedom, and heal in a supportive community. Since 2012, the women at REthreaded have used upcycling to create Grace scarves, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, handbags, wallets, quilts, masks and more. “Local women are finding freedom from the sex trade and each item purchased from Rethreaded helps change and improve their lives,” Keen explains.
The Women’s Giving Alliance, a philanthropic group devoted to improve the lives of women and girls in Northeast Florida with strategic philanthropy, has awarded grants to Rethreaded and this is how Donna Paz Kaufman, High Tide business owner of Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, discovered Rethreaded’s worthy mission. Anita Comisky, High Tide business owner of Amelia Toffee Company, was asked to become a business partner with Rethreaded by creating custom products for REthreaded’s retail store.
This past September Rethreaded acquired Amelia Toffee Company, LLC. Anita Comisky, founder of Amelia Toffee, noted “I am thrilled with the acquisition the business will allow REthreaded to employ more women, supporting the organization’s mission for years to come. It’s a perfect fit.”
Items from REthreaded’s lines will be available for purchase at the Trunk Show which will take place at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, 1430 Park Avenue in Fernandina Beach. All proceeds will benefit REthreaded. There will be short presentations by women whose lives have been given hope and purpose through work at Rethreaded at 11:45 am and 12:15 pm.
The High Tide Women’s Collective is a creative marketing co-operative focused on creating authentic experiences for women on Amelia Island. This group includes Pam Bell of Pam Bell Photography, Anita Comisky of Amelia Island Toffee, Deb Cunningham of Deb Cunningham Yoga, Pam James of Pelindaba Lavender Amelia Island, Donna Paz Kaufman of Story and Song Bookstore and Bistro, Laurie Moore of L. Moore Aesthetics, and Mary Pitcher of Sea Horse Properties.
Follow High Tide Women’s Business Collective on Facebook for event details and to find out more about our efforts or e-mail Donna Kaufman [email protected] to be added to our e-mail list.