Blue Waters Boutique gets into the Olympic spirit
Shop's fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer

MILLSTONE — In celebration of the 2008 Olympic Games and in support of the Special Olympics, Blue Waters Boutique will host "A Night in Beijing."

The event, which will feature complimentary henna tattooing and tarot card readings, will take place 4-7p.m. Aug. 22 in the shop at 221 Millstone Road in the Perrineville section of Millstone.

"In celebration of the 2008 Olympics, we're having Olympian shopping in gold, silver and bronze, according to what is spent in the shop," Kathy Waters, boutique owner, said.

The boutique will also offer gifts and prizes as well as 25 percent off all handbags that night.

"It will be a fun night for women, mothers and daughters," she said.

Waters put the event together in support of the Special Olympics New Jersey. She said 10 percent of the proceeds from the evening would go to the nonprofit organization and that the boutique will sponsor an athlete in the Special Olympics.

"I have family that has been in the Special Olympics, and I was not educated enough about all of the great things the Special Olympics does in New Jersey," Waters said. "I wanted to learn more about it."

Doreen Pustizzi, spokesperson for Special Olympics New Jersey, said the organization provides year-round athletic training and competitions to more than 17,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.

"The athletes and their families are charged nothing and Special Olympics New Jersey is charged with raising all of the funds necessary to provide these opportunities," Pustizzi said. "Grassroots fundraising events, like 'A Night in Beijing,' are a tremendous help in reaching our goals."

Waters said the boutique's fundraiser will focus on friendship and peace, which are being promoted at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. She also said that her new Brighton jewelry line, which has an Asian-influenced collection, will be showcased. Brighton is also sponsoring a raffle for a trip to China, which patrons can enter at the boutique.

The boutique, which opened two years ago, sells many accessory lines and hosts personalized birthday parties for youths.

"I absolutely love working with children and being with their parents while they are celebrating their special day," she said.

During the parties, children make bracelets with artist Danielle Walker, participate in fashion shows, get their hair braided and have their nails painted with glitter.

"It's fun because I have watched families grow," Waters said. "I used to throw the children's parties on our farm, and now with the extension at the boutique I've seen many of their siblings."

Waters said her business also partners with Vesuvio Pizza next door to be able to offer parents the opportunity to couple their children's boutique parties with pizza parties.

"Our motto is, 'This is where friends meet,'" Waters said.

Waters said as her business continues to grow, she wants to further support Special Olympics New Jersey and other charities.

Pustizzi said those who can't attend the event, can log on to www.sonj.org for other fundraising and volunteer opportunities with Special Olympics New Jersey.

For more information about "A Night in Beijing" call 732-851-6813 or visit www.bluewatersboutiquenj.com.