
Holly Wiesendanger, left, and Jenny Gruslin are holding a fundraiser to help in their quest to have a baby.
Jenny Gruslin and Holly Wiesendanger want a baby but after three years of trying, that’s proved elusive.
“During these three years, we have spent nearly $15,000 on treatments, donor sperm, medications, etc.,” explained Gruslin. “Every time you try, you think, ‘This is going to be the time it works.’ And then it doesn’t. So, you try a little something different, and you spend a little more money always trying to do the least invasive, most cost-effective thing, while still giving yourself (and the money you’re burning) the best chance at success.”
Gruslin, 37, has undergone nine intrauterine inseminations (IUIs), while taking medications to help things along. They haven’t worked. Now the Warwick couple is hoping friends and supporters will help defray costs for additional fertility treatments or adoption, while enjoying an evening out. They are holding “Hang In th’ Air, Baby,” at the Varnum Armory Sunday, Feb. 15, from 6 to 10 p.m.
“We’ll be having female impersonator Gia Devaroux as our mistress of ceremonies,” said Gruslin. “And Arielle Extreme/Arielle Entertainment has donated their company aerialists, who will perform a cirque-like show on aerial silk fabric. The event is BYOB, but we will have refreshments, dancing, and swag bags, etc.”
There will be a silent auction as well.
“We have been incredibly blessed by our community who has been so generous with donations for our silent auction,” said Gruslin. “East Greenwich resident and author, Leah DeCesare, has donated signed copies of her book Naked Parenting! We have lots of gift cards for local spas, salons, massage therapy, original art pieces from local artists, etc. Hats, scarves, baby blankets, and leg warmers that I’ve been knitting will also be for sale.”
You can learn more about the couple’s journey to parenthood here: here: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/5nz6/help-jenny-and-holly-start-their-family. And learn more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/308238539363190/.
Thank you so much for creating such a lovely article about our story. Hope to see you on February 15th!
Just two days until the event! The snow made things a little crazy, but we are all set for a great night on Sunday 2-22-2015!