BAKERSFIELD, CA - While holiday decorations are going up, the halls of one Bakersfield home are always decked. That's because a woman who makes wreaths lives there. It's not her business. She does it to raise money for cancer research, in memory of her daughter.
Using ruffles and ribbons, Beth Cheatwood's hands can't stop making wreaths.
"I don't know where this came from. I Just know it's a wonderful thing," said Cheatwood. "We were very excited. We thought we might be able to sell two wreaths a week."
That was just over a year ago. Today, her house is a full-on factory.
It began as a way to raise money for Relay for Life because Cheatwood's life took an unwanted twist of it's own. She lost her daughter to brain tumors in 2007.
"Losing a child is the hardest thing in the world. So, if we can honor her and keep that memory strong, and alive through making wreaths, how wonderful, but more important, to raise money so other parents will never go through that experience," said Cheatwood.
Her passion for the project is paying off. At fifty-dollars each, last year, she raised $7,000 for cancer research. This year, she's already at the $13,000 mark, spreading the word on Facebook and attracting customers, like Barbara Acedo, who drove from Shafter to buy two.
"People see ours and then I have friends that see them and want them so then I call her back and say oh well I need this or I need that," said Acedo.
"I go to bed at night thinking about wreaths I wake up in the morning thinking about wreaths," said Cheatwood.
From her mind she molds each one, from Santas and snowmen, crosses and custom orders she ships all across the country.
So, with some glitter and glue, these creations are a bright spot where ever they go, like Cheatwood's daughter was to her.
"I don't think I consciously pray over every wreath but but the thought is there. Let this wreath go to a house and let it some how to protect that house from the cancer monster. This is helping us to feel like we are doing something," said Cheatwood.
If you are interested in ordering a wreath or requesting a custom design, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/raceagainstcancer2
