Getting Creative has its benefits

LYNN – With auction items from Cafe Moka, Blue Ox and other local businesses up for grabs at Extras for Creative Reuse?s May 28 gala, Creative Director Jocelyn Alma-Testa has a promise to make to anyone who attends the Lynn Museum event.?Everyone is guaranteed to win,” she said.Almy-Testa anticipates more than 120 people attending the 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. gala with room for more in the museum, located at Union and Washington streets. The evening is a chance to show off area businesses by auctioning items ranging from ice cream, to skin care gift certificates to local meals and an opportunity to highlight the 55 nonprofit organizations supported by Creative.Working out of rooms in the JB Blood building crowded with donated items, Creative takes in donations of overstocked materials and products and “gently used” items and, through a $60 annual basic membership arrangement, distributes the items to artists, teachers and anyone else who wants the material.?We provide a way for artists to meet other people who are creative in a very inexpensive way,” said volunteer and Lynn resident Thea Franceschi.Creative held previous annual fundraising events in its Wheeler Street space, but Almy-Testa said the May 28 gala is a chance to underscore how the organization supports arts groups and artists centered in downtown.According to an organization summary, Creative diverts 250,000 pounds of material from landfills and redistributes it to organizations and educators working with and teaching 150,000 students across the state.In addition to music, auctions and dinner, the evening features remarks by state Rep. Brendan Crighton on the downtown cultural district and how Creative has contributed to its expansion.Although Creative accepted material donations throughout the winter, member visits and new member signups declined sharply after heavy snow all-but-eliminated parking on Wheeler Street.?Like every other business, the winter killed us,” Almy-Testa said.Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development is sponsoring the gala with help from Tri City Sales and Constantino, Richards and Rizzo certified public accountants in Wakefield. Creative accomplishes its goals with help from volunteers, including Franceschi and Cathy Mowers, but Almy-Testa hopes the organization can expand its staff. She is currently assisted by coworker Robert Lambert.The gala is also a reason to celebrate for Creative and its supporters – Almy-Testa said Creative is a finalist for the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Awards with a winner scheduled to be announced on June 8.For tickets to Extras for Creative Reuse?s May 28 gala at the Lynn Museum, contact Almy-Testa, [email protected].