Event Planner Turns Mask Maker
There is no question that during the current epidemic, it can be hard to find sources of inspiration to get out of the quarantine funk. However, Laurel McFarlane did just that. Pivoting from coordinating San Diego’s most recognizable events to campaigning for graduate support, she has launched her latest initiative, grad masks, designed to support the Class of 2020 in what would have been their time of joyous celebration. McFarlane stated, “As an event planner, my industry and business [have] been decimated by the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. Grad Masks is my way to find a purpose in a time of great uncertainty.”
Laurel McFarlane has been the wizard behind the curtain for some of San Diego’s most popular and prestigious events for over 25 years. McFarlane offers her clients her creativity, contacts and most professional attention to detail with every event production and execution. Recently, the event and hospitality industry have been seriously affected by the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. With the cancellation and postponement of various events that are out of McFarlane’s control (such as San Diego Pride and the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance) she has chosen to focus her creative energy on supporting the Class of 2020 with the creation of Grad Masks.
“As a mother of four middle & high-school ages children and an aunt to a 2020 High School Graduate, the fear and uncertainty of how moments of commencement will be honored was flowing into my organizer brain as a problem that needed an innovative solution. From that unstoppable need to create direction in challenging circumstances, Grad Masks was born as a way for families and graduates to celebrate monumental life progressions in unprecedented times” stated McFarlane about the creation of her protective mask line.
All masks are designed to let consumers express themselves with creative style. Grad Masks also offers you the ability to customize your branded masks with your own unique design. You can add school logos, personal quotes, color selections and more so you can commemorate a graduate from any school or any occasion.
McFarlane’s vision is that these masks worn by family, friends, neighbors and community leaders become a symbol for graduates as we use them to express our solidarity as they transition from one chapter to the next.
In addition to supporting 2020 Graduates as they transition to new life phases in an unprecedented time, it is the grad masks’ mission to provide financial assistance to those most impacted by the extreme economic losses with a 10 percent donation from each mask sold going to the Jacob & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. For more information and to purchase a Grad Mask, visit www.gradmasks.com.
Category: Business, Education, Health & Fitness, Local News, medical, Students
