Wings of Change Flutters High

Generous Donation from FTCCO – Fiesta Tableware Company

Words and photos by Marlise Kast-Myers 

It was late 2021…

when Stephanie Holbrook walked through the gates of Brick N Barn in Valley Center, asking if she could spread the word about her new nonprofit, Wings of Change. In a season of pandemic uncertainty, she boldly launched her business to educate others on the importance of butterflies and help create a sustainable future for these vital creatures. 

While a partnership between a butterfly rescue

and the Brick n Barn antique shop might have seemed like the odd couple, the timing could not have been more ideal. Open just one weekend a month, Brick n Barn located at the history Betty Crocker Estate, was seeking an official nonprofit partner to help facilitate county requirements. The fact that Stephanie was needing a platform to “spread her wings” made it a match made in heaven. 

Where there is a will, there is a way . . .

and so Stephanie went full steam ahead in educating the community about butterflies, all while promoting beautification, music, and the arts. From educational workshops and gardening classes to walking tours and selling butterfly-luring seeds, Stephanie hustled to share her deep passion for these precious pollinators and their native host plants that have endless benefits. Not only do they help contribute to a healthy environment, but the native plants also feed birds with seeds and caterpillars, deter fires, stabilize sand banks, and help wildlife of all kinds.

During one Brick n Barn event, Stephanie even brought in volunteers to help plant milkweed and eradicate invasive plants. All the while, she continued to encourage people to “be the change” and to educate others on how butterflies impact fire safety, drought tolerance, and even our health. Stephanie’s efforts have slowly paid off, earning a prestigious “All in 4 Change” award from Harrah’s S. Cal Resort in 2022.

Between 2022 and the present

Brick n Barn has contributed nearly $7,000 to Wings of Change for her committed efforts in workshops, product sales, donations, and membership dues. For as little as $10 a month, Wings of Change members receive resources, butterfly-of-the-month information, discounts, an e-book, and monthly seed packets. 

Each tax-deductible donation helps Wings of Change continue to provide free education and help build butterfly habitats. So, exactly how far does this money go? In the past three years, Wings of Change has built a vibrant community through fostering artistic expression and environmental awareness, has partnered with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, has supported underprivileged members of the community through the Fallbrook Food Pantry, and has hosted monthly educational sessions on butterflies though crafts offered to children and adults. Wings of Change has also successfully executed service projects that have enhanced community aesthetics and bolstered a sense of camaraderie among volunteers spanning various age groups.

“I’m so thankful for Brick n Barn’s continued support in making a positive impact on our community,” says Stephanie. “By becoming a partner with Wings of Change, years ago they not only contributed to a worthy cause, but also helped us gain valuable exposure and goodwill within our network of supporters.”

Just when it seemed like the nonprofit had reached its highest point on the mountaintop, on June 11^th, Wings of Change earned two back-to-back unexpected donations to continue the vision. Harold Cook, Manager of Brick n Barn, announced a donation given by the Fiesta Tableware Co Collectors Organization (FTCCO). 

As Immediate Past President of the FTCCO organization, Harold is actively involved in the volunteer-run club that was formed to educate individuals about one of the last remaining American-made dinnerware companies. 

Along with Harold, the entire FTCCO Board of Directors are made up of experienced collectors with knowledge of all Homer Laughlin lines, dating back to the early 1870s. Harold’s commitment to the US-made Fiesta dinnerware line not only makes him an authority on the brand, but it has made him the “go to” source on all things Fiesta Tableware at Brick n Barn. 

And so . . . during the recent FTCCO event this past May, the Board generously approved six donations, totaling $24,000 to the following organizations:

Museum of Ceramics – East Liverpool, OH – $4000
Newell Community Improvement Coalition – Newell, WV – $4000
Newell Volunteer Fire Department – Newell, WV – $4000
Oak Glen High School Alumni Scholarship – New Cumberland, WV – $4000
Save Our Monarchs – Edina, MN – $2000
Wings of Change – Fallbrook, CA – $2000

In addition to the $2,000 donation to Wings of Change, the FTCCO banquet theme was centered on the Monarch butterfly, which was displayed through signature designs and $250 worth of butterfly-luring seeds, purchased by Harold. 

“It was an honor to be supported by Fiesta Tableware,” says Stephanie. “It was the largest single order of seeds we’ve had since we were founded in 2020. I know Mother Earth and the planet will thank us all in years to come.” 

Needless to say, just like a butterfly, Stephanie’s wings have unfolded as the world can finally witness the colors she was meant to share. 

Learn more about being the change at www.wingsofchange.us .