Our story begins in September, 2012 with a mom and me project completed by Laurie and her daughter Payton. Laurie and Payton each painted a silk scarf hoping to give them as gifts to family members. Mom spent much time deliberating over just the right color combination and placement of such color. Payton's approach was far different, she chose all of the colors, dipping her paint brush from one color to the next in what can only be described as, reckless abandon. Laurie thought at that moment this may not be the best gift idea, until the paint dried. Debra, Laurie's sister looked in awe at the beautiful hand-painted scarf Payton created by mixing unconventional colors together to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Laurie had also created a nice yet rather ordinary scarf. This may not seem extraordinary until you realize Payton was 10 and has Down Syndrome.
A Tribute to Our Dad, our lifelong inspiration.............
Charismatic host and co-owner of The Peacock Club, Sam (“Sammy Peacock”) Hougasian passed through death to eternal life on June 12th, marking the end of an era.
Sam was predeceased by his loving parents, Zaven and Mary Hougasian, and his precious sister, Katherine Sarkisian, of Auburn.
Sam met Janice (his beloved “JJ”) at The Peacock Club in 1971, and a 42-year love story began. They married in 1972, with more than 800 friends and family celebrating at the Holden Hills Country Club.
Moving his family from Auburn to Fort Lauderdale in 1983, Sam opened Fish’n’Things and continued his career in the restaurant/hospitality industry. He greeted each new day with the optimistic enthusiasm of a man who is madly in love. Charming, funny and full of life, Sam’s smile lit up a room.
Delighting in the simple things, Sam most treasured family gatherings, coffee (and the occasional scotch) with friends, driving by the beach, listening to Frank Sinatra, and a big bowl of ice cream at the end of the day. (Papa loved his ice cream!)
Sammy always said, “Love is a four-letter word!” He lived this motto every moment of his life. Sam was unconditional love, unconditional acceptance in ACTION! Welcoming people into his life, his family and his home with the innocence of a child, he simply never met a stranger. Sam made everyone feel special.
Sam will always be remembered as a devoted and adoring husband, loving and dedicated father, proud and involved grandfather, caring and comforting uncle, loyal and supportive friend, faithful follower of Christ to the end.
Along with his beloved wife JJ, Sam is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Michael Bardwell of Atlanta, Laurie and Brian Ruehlman of Boca Raton, Samantha Kievman of Boynton Beach, Nicole and Thomas Coyle of Deerfield Beach, Florida; his seven grandchildren, Michael, Taylor, Dallas, Hunter, Payton, Katherine and Elizabeth; his great-granddaughter, Zurie; his niece, Debra Sarkisian; his nephews and their wives, Jim and Jayne Sarkisian, David and Darlene Sarkisian; great-nephews Jimmy, Thomas and Brian, and great-niece Emily.
Sam’s family misses him terribly, but his legacy of love and devotion lives on. As he always said, “it never comes apart when you pull together.”
To honor the memory of his kind and compassionate heart, Sam’s family has created The Peacock Collection for Caring-Couture.com, a foundation focused on employing and empowering individuals with special needs and "special abilities!"
Condolences can be sent to Janice at 6261 N.E. 20th Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.
Due to the overwhelming response to our Caring-Couture scarves we have fallen behind in production. There are new scarves drying as well as a new product we will be announcing for Mother's Day! As soon as the hand-dyed treasures are dry they will be photographed and online. We expect to update our products this week. Please check back soon.
Thank you for your tremendous support!
With gratitude,
Debra, Laurie, Payton and Amanda
We are proud to announce our partnership with Amanda Mostyn. Amanda is an outstanding, talented, creative, bright young woman who raises money for her organization, SAIL, Self-Advocates for an Independent Life! SAIL provides opportunities for Self-Advocates (adults 18 years of age and older who have a disability) to attend conferences. Due to the lack of paid employment opportunities for people with disabilities, (I prefer to call them "different-abilities") funds are limited to attend these conferences. Amanda is a Self-Advocate with Mosaic Down Syndrome, who works full time yet is not paid due to her "volunteer" status. Amanda is hard working and an important member of the environment where she volunteers, yet because she has a "diagnosis" it is easy to accept her time, talent and dedication for free.
Amanda not only "works" 5 days each week, she takes time to raise money to help others. We are joining Amanda in her commitment to provide the opportunity for Self-Advocates to attend these informative conferences to improve the quality of their lives. Our partnership will benefit Amanda's cause by raising money and awareness as well as fulfill our mission to employ people of all ages and abilities, starting with Amanda! Please check back next week to view Amanda's collection of hand-dyed silk scarves.
Thank You so much for Wearing and Sharing your Caring-Couture Hand-Dyed Scarves, Created for a Cause!!
Many Thanks,
Laurie and Debra
A Giant Thank You to Denise Rossi for her Divine Inspritation and Fabulous Scarf Party Launch! We are honored to have joined Denise in her effort to support The Salvation Army. We feel Blessed to have had the opportunity to share our mission with so many lovely ladies while raising money for such a worthy cause.
Many Thanks and Much Love,
Debra and Laurie
During the month of December, Caring-Couture gave back to an organization that has given support to my family and so many others. Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization, based in Boynton Beach, FL, has been an important resource for hundreds of families with a loved one who has Down Syndrome. My daughter, Payton, is a proud member of this wonderful group, and we are blessed to have their support!
We had a great time at the Gold Coast DS Holiday Party and met our first employee, Amanda Mostyn. Amanda will be joining me this weekend to create a collection of scarves. I can't wait to add them to the website for sale. Check back soon to meet Amanda via video and check out her collection!
Thank You for your Love and Support,
Laurie
We are a "work in progress!" Please feel free to contact us with any questions, ideas or suggestions. You can either e-mail us at IAMtheFoundation@yahoo.com or call Laurie in our Customer Care Department at (561) 756-1370.
Thank you so much for your support.
So excited!!! We are gearing up for our Debut Caring-Couture Scarf Party!
Huge and heartfelt thanks go out to Denise Rossi, who has jumped out there and volunteered to host our very first Scarf Party, which will benefit the Salvation Army. Can't wait to meet all the beautiful ladies Denise has invited to share our special mission with.
Much love to all,
Laurie and Debra