By Susan F. Raunig

Reporter columnist

A chic, fashion boutique offering contemporary clothing with style, luxury and comfort — a retail respite for one to rejuvenate while shopping in a cozy, relaxed environment.

A human services non-profit organization helping people by changing lives through programs, training, and assistance; their mission to move people to self-sufficiency.

A local gem in the heart of downtown – a performing arts center – offering an impressive collection of theater, live music, and dance.

How do these three Kirkland businesses, a seemingly disparate triangle consisting of Via Lago, HopeLink and Kirkland Performance Center (KPC), intersect? It is called the circle of giving.

As a volunteer and Board member of KPC, I procured a donation for the annual fundraising auction held each fall. Via Lago donated an “Ultimate Girl Party” party package. At the event, my husband bought the package for me as a gift knowing all the proceeds go to the theater’s general operating fund.

When selecting and inviting the most festive shoppers I know, I decided to raffle off three store gift cards included in the package. What was the cost to enter the raffle? Each attendee was invited to bring a bag of canned, non-perishable food to be included in a chance at supplementing their spending dollars for the evening.

Despite a cold, rainy, windy night, 12 ladies arrived with a plethora (70 pounds, to be exact) of goodies for HopeLink. Then they sipped, savored, and shopped inside the walls of our private girl night at Via Lago. With piles of cans at the front door, a busy cash register, and a sense of heartfelt warmth, everyone left with a smile.

Camaraderie, compassion, charity, cheer – this is what community means to me. People who give and people who care about connecting the dots to create a vibrant, healthy Kirkland community. Coming together to the place where the arcs join ends into the circle of giving. I’ve said it before. I love it here.