FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Russian River Sisters Wrap Up a
Successful Year!
Retrospect of
the First Year of the Order
January 1, 2002 --Guerneville,
CA.It was April 1, 2001. A quiet, beautifully sunny day in Monte Rio when the
Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence burst into town. Like a blast of
color in a world too often reduced to black and white, the Sisters have brought
a unique, fun loving flair to the fundraising efforts of the
Russian River Community.
At first, the Sisters were greeted with awe, disbelief and skepticism. A lot of
people didn't understand what the Sisters are all about, thinking they were just
out to grab attention. Some even said the Sisters were bad news and would bring
the "wrong elements" into town. The Sisters have taken serious vows to serve
others before themselves, to expiate stigmatic guilt and promulgate universal
joy. They have dedicated themselves to fundraising efforts, especially wanting
to help under-funded groups that fall through society's cracks.
And serve others they have. In their first 9 months, they have participated in
over 75 fund-raising events, helping to raise thousands of dollars for Aids
Emergency Fund of Sonoma County, Guerneville Women's Breast Cancer Awareness
Fund, Face to Face, and also Guerneville and Monte Rio School programs.
In looking back, the Sisters agree that some events are more memorable than
others. Tops on all lists was Oktoberfest 2001. An extremely fun and successful
event produced by Sister Chastity Boner, who worked tirelessly, overcoming huge
obstacles. All agree that the event would not have been possible without the
hard work and generosity of Michael Clark and staff of Fife's Resort. Plans are
now underway for Oktoberfest 2002.
Another highlight was the "Non-Hostile Takeover" of the Pink Elephant Bar in
Monte Rio. Owners Greg and Victoria Haas rolled out the welcome mat for a fun
filled event that people are still talking about. By popular request, this event
will also be repeated, possibly in the Spring.
"Spam-A-Rama" , a fundraiser benefiting the Aids Emergency Fund at the Rainbow
Cattle Company was also a success. " We ate every possible dish that could be
made with Spam" said Sister Mary Margaret Xplosion. " In fact, our entry,
Burning Spam Man, took top honors in the Spam Sculpture Contest, winning XXL
boxer shorts emblazoned with the Spam logo. It just doesn't get any better than
this !" she laughed.
April's "Women's Weekend" was another favorite, a chance to work with local
women's groups and raise money for the Women's Breast Cancer Awareness Fund".
The Sisters are especially proud of the creation of www.russianriverevents.com .
Created by Sister Barbi Mitzvah, the web site is available to the entire Russian
River Community. Churches, schools, businesses and other groups are invited to
use this Internet tool free of charge. The site is currently getting 1,100
visitors a day !!
Plans for future events include Oktoberfest 2002, and several Sonoma Gay Pride
Weekend events, some of them co-produced with local and San Francisco leather
groups. Also in the works are plans for monthly Bingo games, and events with the
Guerneville and Monte Rio Schools. And also, just for fun, the Sisters will be
unveiling "The Official Russian River
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Trading Cards" !! Be the first on your block to
collect them all !!!
