Discussing Takoma Park’s Alternative Gift Fair
Mimi Iklé-Khalsa is a teacher and practitioner of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy who co-owns CMC Energy Services, her school Heartwaves Healing Institute, and the Journey Space: a Healing Arts Center in Glen Echo, MD. She is a former board member, coordinator of the operations team and has helped run alternative gift fairs for the last two decades.
This interview has been edited lightly.
Would you tell me a little bit about Alternative Gifts of Greater Washington (AGGW)? What does everybody need to know?
AGGW was founded on the premise that among the most thoughtful gifts you can give someone is a donation to one or more charities in their honor. We are a 501(c)3 organization that hosts over a dozen small, direct-service, nonprofit organizations working in the DC area to sell gifts of donation to benefit populations in need both locally and globally. We act as the fiscal sponsor for the Takoma Park Alternative Gift Fair.
This is the 25th year of our Takoma Park Alternative Gift Fair in which you can buy a gift of a donation, and then present a certificate to a loved one or friend to let them know that you made a donation on their behalf.
We host a four-hour in-person marketplace where you can meet representatives from each of the charities to learn more about their work and their gifts!
In addition to meeting representatives of all the charities, our event has beautiful holiday cards, a sweet and savory bake sale, an extensive raffle, live music, a supervised kids corner with crafts and free seated massages! This is an amazing opportunity to come out and engage in a community-building holiday treat!
When did you first become involved with AGGW?
I was introduced to the alternative gift fair in 2002 when I volunteered with the Center for a New American Dream. At first I volunteered at a happy hour, alternative gift fair my boyfriend was running. The following year I offered to provide free seated massages at the Takoma Park event and have been a part of that fair ever since … as well as married to that boyfriend.
What drew you to the organization?
I was drawn to the people (eventually marrying that boyfriend) and the mission of “simplifying the holidays.” For me, this event is making the holidays slower-paced, meaningful and enjoyable. I loved the way the fair offered a way for folks to give to a wide variety of charities and not get on one mailing list. I loved knowing that I was doing my part in supporting those in need and building the Takoma Park community.
How would you describe your AGGW experience over the years?
The experience of being a part of the fairs has been great. We have a wonderful group of volunteers and board members. Our local fair is such an integral part of the values that make Takoma Park special. I wish everyone had this kind of event in their hometowns!
What are some of the challenges associated with putting the gift fair together?
There are the regular issues when coordinating a volunteer effort of this magnitude, but the only real challenge is to settle on which groups to support each year since we always have more applicants than openings each year.
How much money do you expect to raise this year?
Based on the past three years, our goal will be $40,000-$50,000 .
Anything else?
Consider using our fair as an inspiration or model to run your own fair (and remember you can start small)! If you are interested in finding out more on the local Takoma Park fair, how to volunteer with us, apply to be on the board of directors, or how to nominate your favorite nonprofit please visit AGGW.org.
