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The craft boutique and bake sale sponsored by the Notre Dame Academy Alumnae Association for the benefit of the retired Sisters was attended by many alumnae and their friends and family. Although the sale was open to the public, the only advertising was by word-of-mouth through Notre Dame Academy alumnae. As a result the space was not too crowded and parking was adequate. As an added bonus, many of the shoppers knew each other! Dozens of alums stayed all morning to renew friendships with classmates and with Sisters.

The craft boutique was inspired by the Antique Boutique which was held for many years in the former high school building. Very often alumnae who visited Notre Dame, wrote or emailed, mentioned the Antique Boutique and lamented the loss of such a good reason for alums to gather and share a good time.

Maybe as a result of this cherished memory, alumnae responded immediately to the idea of a new event "just for alums." Almost immediately craft items began to appear at Notre Dame - mailed from all parts of the United States, as well as delivered to the front door by the alumna. The staff of the Development Team also picked up items all over the city. As the event drew closer, it was common for two or three alums to drop off craft items each day.

Almost all the alumnae who worked to set up the boutique, cashier the day of the sale, and bake for the bake sale volunteered to work before being asked. It added to the spirit of the day to have volunteers who were having as much fun as shoppers.

Of course the craft sale raised funds for the retired Sisters, but the event was structured to provide a special gathering time for alumnae too. There were tables set up for relaxing and visiting with friends while enjoying a free cup of coffee and a little something from the bake sale. Sister Marie Alice Ostry '62 set up a massage center to rejuvenate and revitalize people. There was a display called "Networking" so that alumnae who are business owners could display business and contact information for sharing with alums. Sisters Margaret Hickey '58 and Mary Ann Zimmer '64 (and several other Sisters) gave impromptu mini-tours of the convent and Seven Oaks of Florence. All this was available in addition to browsing through a wide variety of crafts and the display from the Notre Dame Sisters Gift Shop. It's not surprising that many alumnae spent the entire morning at Notre Dame, and that as they were leaving they said to the Alumnae Board President, Linda Finken Shanahan '62, "We're going to do this again next year, aren't we?"