New Store Offers Home Decor -- and Hope
Online, May 23, 2013 (Newswire.com) - District 23 Mercantile & Foundry opened it doors (and online store) in April to shoppers looking for unique home decor pieces. But shoppers soon find out that this store offers much more than lamps and vases -- it offers hope.
The store benefits a cause close to the heart of its owner, Michelle Tjelmeland--the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF).
Michelle, also the owner of the website design firm e-websmart.com, lost her hearing at age 25. But while Michelle is deaf, she actually can hear because of the miracle of cochlear implant technology. And Michelle's daughter, Ellie, who was born deaf, can now hear as well, thanks to the the surgery.
In 2006, Michelle started CIAF to offer support to other people who could benefit from cochlear implant technology. Since then, the organization has helped more than 500 families find information and resources they need to make educated decisions about the surgery. The organization also provides recycled equipment to cochlear implant recipients.
Michelle did lose her hearing, but found that with this, another one of her senses - her sight - kicked into high gear. She became drawn to visually appealing things, whether for her home or her own wardrobe. People would often comment on her eye for aesthetics, to which she would respond, "I guess I make up for my hearing loss with my sense of sight."
Michelle wanted to put her aesthetic skills to good use and build on the momentum of the CIAF's first six years to bring the non-profit to the next level - and help even more people hear through cochlear implant technology. As she considered the options, opening a visually stimulating store that helps the hearing impaired seemed to make - well, sense.
District 23 carries a variety of styles: industrial, feminine, vintage, modern, and more from exclusive brands not yet sold in Springfield. At the same time, the proceeds from the store will help support the CIAF and bring hope to others considering a cochlear implant.
The store, located at 1413 South MacArthur Boulevard in Springfield, Illinois, is open the first and third weekends of the month on Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm. It also has an online store for shoppers to visit 24/7.
For more information, visit www.District23.com.
About CIAF: The Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation is a 501c3 organization that connects people with the information and resources they need to make an educated decision about cochlear implant awareness surgery, and offer guidance and support to recipients. CIAF does not provide financial assistance for the surgery. For more information, visit www.ciafonline.org.