The Daisy Auxiliary
Learn about the inspiring group of volunteers behind the Daisy Store’s success
Our History
The Daisy Store owes its 1967 beginnings to a group of charitable-minded Santa Cruz women who had the vision to create an auxiliary-operated resale store to support the mission of Family Service Agency of the Central Coast. The Daisy Auxiliary operates under Family Service Agency, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The Daisy Auxiliary now has more than 150 active and auxiliary members who work throughout the year to manage and staff the store and to raise additional funding for Family Service Agency through special events, pop up sales, and fashion shows at community venues.
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For decades, there has been one partner that has stood side-by-side with Family Service Agency staff and volunteers, to support members of their community in times of need: The Daisy Auxiliary.
In 1967, a small group of charitable-minded women from the community saw the need to help Family Service Agency in its mission. And thus, the Daisy Auxiliary was born. Inspired by a resale shop they found in Marin, Margey Lezin, Bay Nigh, Sue Wilson, and Marilyn Huxtable decided that a secondhand store would be a great way to raise funds.
Their search for a storefront eventually found them in the old Catalyst on Front street, below the St. George Hotel. It wasn’t long before the Auxiliary began to grow, as 8 more ladies joined and elected Bay Nigh as their first manager.
These women wanted customers of the store to know that the clothing donated was clean, so they came up with the slogan “Fresh as a Daisy.” And that’s how the Daisy got its name!
The first Daisy Store was doing well, with two large display windows that were decorated weekly, until the 1989 October earthquake and fire took the store down. Not to be deterred, a second site was found on Portola Drive, where the business stayed until 1996.
Finally, the Auxiliary members found a space on 41st Avenue, before moving to its current location in the King’s Village Shopping Center.
In 1972, Ann Levin, who was manager, came up with the idea of having a boutique, where market items such as cakes, jams, candy, handmade quilts, and clothing could be sold. As well as an attic that would feature antiques and collectibles. Outside vendors were encouraged to participate, and thus began a three-day event Ann Levin titled Holidaisy.
Holidaisy endured for many years as a special event fundraiser, held at the beginning of each holiday season. Holidaisy events included champagne brunches, arts and crafts, antiques, jewelry, clothings markets, and opening night themed events held at various Santa Cruz County venues.
Holidaisy has changed over the years, and in 2005 began a popular themed fashion show and luncheon boutique held in the fall in Santa Cruz at the Cocoanut Grove Ballroom. Some of the recent themes include Holidaisy goes to Hollywood, Paris, Hong Kong, Venice, New York, Holidaisy on Safari, Mardi Gras, and Monte Carlo. In 2016, still keeping its fashion show boutique theme, the Holidaisy became the Spring Gala. Daisy events continue to thrive, helping to raise funds and awareness to aid those who need help.
Thanks to the founding members and all the managers and members of the Daisy through the years, the Auxiliary has grown to 145 volunteers who contribute their time, resources, help, and support whenever they are needed. It is a tribute to their tireless efforts. Though none of this would be possible without the generous people who attend the fundraising events and the loyal customers of the Daisy Store. The members of the Daisy Auxiliary offer their deepest gratitude and thanks to all those who support the Daisy, and Family Service Agency of the Central Coast and their mission to serve the most vulnerable members of our community.