To all my fellow Tomatoes, I hope you and your family and friends found many things to be thankful for yesterday. It’s a challenging time with the fires up and down our state, so read on for some ways to help those whose lives have been impacted by this devastating disaster. To help us out of any funk we may feel, there are Vintage musicals to attend to lift our moods. And for those who are ready to hit the stores and not the internet, a few standout Holiday shopping boutiques can be found. Yet another way to make an impact while shopping is to purchase a gorgeous leather item from local female run company Future Glory. Gifts that give back, what can be better?

Helping the Camp Fire Victims

In only four days, the Butte County Camp Fire surpassed all other Golden State fires to become the most destructive fire in California history, burning 125,000 acres and obliterating 6,453 homes. All over the bay area, the air quality has been designated as unhealthy, but you all know that. If you wish to donate to victims of the deadliest fire in state history, make sure to research a charity’s reputation before handing over money. Charity Navigator will help you filter the legit from the shady. However, here are some organizations that we know will get your money or material goods to the right places.

 Red Cross – 1 -800-RED-CROSS

California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: Supports victims by helping to rebuild homes and providing financial assistance to those who need medical and mental treatment. www.connect.calfund.org

United Way of Northern California: United Way established a NorCal Disaster Relief Fund to help victims. To make a donation, text BUTTEFIRE to 91999.

North Valley Animal Disaster Group: Works jointly with public and private agencies and organizations in the area help in the safety and well-being of all domestic animals and farm animals, including wildlife, affected by a disaster. www.nvadg.org/donate

Vintage Musicals

And now time for some laughs and nonsense. Vintage musicals are the way to go to take us away from disasters, politics and lift us up with laughter.

Nov. 28-Dec. 16. Dames at Sea

In 1966, the campy musical DAMES AT SEA arrived off-broadway. Young Bernadette Peters played the lead role of Ruby – a young hopeful actress who arrives in NYC to break into show biz with nothing but a pair of tap shoes in her suitcase. She stumbles into the cat of a troubled show “Dames at Sea” and the hijinks, hilarity and rousing musical numbers ensue.

The sweet and salty script is full of wisecracks and vintage slang. Full of vim,verve and tap-dancing, this local production will charm it’s way into your heart. Produced by my favorite musical company, 42nd Street Moon, the musical opens November 28^th and runs through December 16^th at the small and welcoming Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson St. A great way to get away from it all! www.42ndstmoon.org

Now – Dec. 16. Crazy for You

Although the exact musical, “Crazy for You” was not written in the 1930’s it is based on a Gershwin musical from that decade entitled “Girl Crazy”. This is another classic tale of a boy, a girl, and a theatre in need of salvation. Not only does it contain all of the classic Gershwin songs we know and love, but it tells a sweet, hilarious story (filled to the brim with true love, gun-fighting cowboys and side-splitting belly laughs. Now through December 16^th at the Alcazar Theatre, 650 Geary St. http://www.bamsf.org/crazy-for-you.

Gifting

Dec. 7-16.  Bob Cut Pop Up

Unique gifts suited just for that special person – aren’t we all searching for that? Enter the Bob Cut holiday gift pop up shop. Bob Cut is a bay area online magazine that’s dedicated to highlighting the best of the west. They really know  people around the bay and what makes them tick. And, they have curated a pop-up shop to help with our shopping madness.

Their holiday gift guides over the past few years have given readers tips on local items and now they will be showcasing 10 artists, craftswomen and makers. You get to know the products, the people who make them and learn their stories. You won’t find these items just anywhere. So head to the inner Sunset from December 7-16 where Bob Cut will be partnering with Moon & Boon. 1306 12^th Avenue. 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. www.bobcutmag.com

Nov. 24-25. Crystals anyone?

They have certainly become mainstream now, even football players are known to have crystal collections for meditation and healing. If you have someone on your gift list who might appreciate the glowing beauty of an uncut amethyst or geode (I mean, who doesn’t love a little sparkle?) head to The Crystal Fair. November 24 – 25 at the San Francisco County Fair Building inside Golden Gate Park. You will discover a magical mix of crystals, minerals, beads, jewelry and healing arts practitioners. Get your Om on. http://www.crystalfair.com

Gifts that Give: Future Glory

This week’s gift that gives back is from the company Future Glory. This socially conscious maker of handcrafted leather bags and accessories creates bags to create opportunity. Female founded, the company gives back to organizations serving women in need.  All the designers, makers and entrepreneurs are women, and a significant part of the biz is dedicated to providing training and jobs to members of the community. All of their swoon worthy leather goods are handcrafted in San Francisco.

Minimalist design actually makes the bags stand out. The handbags are literally as soft as a baby’s bottom! They are known for their circle handles, and they come in a rainbow of colors. For a gal pal they have a card sleeve for $45, hand marbled on premium vegetable tanned leather. So lovely. Purchase this or one of their other exquisite products and know you are helping women in need in the bay area.  Get the details.