Christy Briedis, of Crystie’s Boutique in the 33 Baltimore Avenue courtyard, has been selling clothing and accessories to women for 23 years. As a result of the abundance Christy has enjoyed from all these women helping her with her business, she decided to give back to the community. But, exactly how?

Then, someone she cared about was coming out of enforced sobriety and returning to the community.

"I found out how difficult it was for people who choose to become sober to find a supportive environment and a place to live while they get back in the job market and claim a sober life. I also knew how much support they need, and how damaging it is to the families of the individual if the person does not stay sober. So a place that offers that chance, to those who take the challenge, seemed like a good place to offer assistance."

And so she got involved in Tau House in Georgetown.

Open since 1984, Tau House has provided a supportive and therapeutically structured environment for more than 520 women recovering from chemical dependency. For up to six months, these women have a place to call "home" while they receive individual counseling, group therapy, and education and guidance in practical life skills. They also learn about nutrition, parenting and relapse prevention. Each resident must obtain employment and contribute to the overall operation of the facility.

Of course, it takes funding to run a non-profit organization like Tau House and now we all have the chance to pitch in and help the women who rely on Tau House services.

Downtown Rehoboth merchants are pulling together and inviting shoppers to head downtown for a huge shopping day on Saturday, Oct. 22 to benefit Tau House. It’s One Day, One Cause as downtown visitors will find fantastic fall discounts, a special dessert tasting event, local entertainment and a fine art exhibition and sale. In addition, shoppers will have the chance to win free merchandise, gift certificates, and meals valued at over $2500. The center of activity will be the Bee 101.7/95.3 and Eagle 97.7 radio broadcast booths at the firehouse, where shoppers can meet Tau House residents, alumni and supporters and find out how Tau House assists local women to regain personal and financial stability.

Over 60 merchants, restaurants, banks, realtors, and artists have already pledged more than $15,000 to the "Shop for Shelter" event. Many merchants have also agreed to donate up to 10% of sales that day to Tau House.

"This is truly a shopping event where everyone benefits," says Jay Griffith, co-owner of REDfish DESIGNS and a Tau House board member. Griffith and fellow board member Christy Briedis, developed this event to create much-needed awareness for Tau House and to benefit the Rehoboth Beach Main Street merchants who have weathered the noise, dust and confusion created by three years of downtown construction.

"We are thrilled with the response we have received from the downtown merchants and local community. " says Briedis. "The Rehoboth Beach/Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, Rehoboth Beach Main Street, CAMP Rehoboth, as well as the Cape Gazette, Eagle 97.7 and Bee 101.7/95.3 stations have all stepped up to lend their support to this event and the great work of Tau House."

Right now, special "Shop for Shelter" canisters are appearing on sales counters around town. Shoppers can submit their names for a special drawing to receive one of four $250 gift certificates to be used in one of the participating "Shop for Shelter" retailers. The drawing will be held during the on-air broadcast on the 22nd. The first 50 shoppers that day who bring their dated sales receipt to the broadcast booth at the firehouse will receive a free gift from Redfish Designs.