PictureBloom’s retail shop at 1557 4th Street in San Rafael.

Bloom, the San Rafael-based nonprofit that provides free wardrobes and life skills training to men, women and families transitioning to a life of self-reliance and looking for a job, has come up with yet another creative way to raise money to support its clients.

The organization, founded as Image for Success in 1999, hired executive director Lenice Smith in 2019 to build on the success established by Sherene Chen.

On Thursday, Feb. 13, Bloom hosts its second “The Gold and Silver Event,” a fundraiser in partnership with Gold West Vintage, Lynn Armstrong’s lifestyle blog and online store. Armstrong hosts parties whereby participants bring gold, platinum or silver items that they want to sell and leave with a check for the New York Stock Exchange value of those items, minus the percentage of the proceeds that the seller chooses to donate to the nonprofit organization the event benefits, in this case Bloom.

Armstrong suggests a donation of 10 percent of the value to Bloom, but there is no requirement or minimum percentage, she says. In addition, Gold West Vintage will donate to Bloom 15% of the total amount of gold and silver purchased that night. The event, set for 3-6pm at Bloom’s retail store at 1557 4th Street in downtown San Rafael, takes place at Bloom’s retail store at 1557 4th Street in downtown San Rafael. Here are a few examples of items to bring:

Example of What to Bring:
Gold: Yellow, white, and rose 8k-24k. Gold fillings and solid gold coins. Solid gold jewelry is almost always marked.
Platinum: All platinum
Silver: Sterling Jewelry, candlesticks,  frames, flatware, platters, and coffee sets. All should be marked “Sterling” or Taxco” (Mexican silver), or have a sterling hallmark. Silver coins accepted prior to 1964.
Do Not Bring: Gold and silver plated items.

The 411: On Thursday, Feb. 13, Bloom hosts “The Gold and Silver Event,” a fundraiser in partnership with Gold West Vintage, Lynn Armstrong’s lifestyle blog and online store. 3-7pm at Bloom’s retail store at 1557 4th Street in downtown San Rafael. MORE INFO. RSVP HERE.

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