Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County is honored to celebrate Deborah Tangelder as this week’s featured Women Who Move the City Wednesday (WWMTC) Honoree! Deborah is the owner of The Perfect Gift & Clothing Boutique, located in historic Clarence Center. The storefront name, The Perfect Gift, was inspired by the Bible verse James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift comes from above.” Deb considers it a privilege to make a difference and that there is a purpose in her store that goes well beyond beautiful things. It’s about touching lives and hearts, and inspiring others.
Since opening 14 years ago, she has used her business to help in multiple capacities as part of “The Perfect Gift Gives Back” project. From local causes, to schools, churches, and national organizations…she follows her heart & faith. Her theme is simple, Shop Local and Help Many. Countless organizations have been helped including: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, Roswell – Jacquie Hirsch for A.L.L. Foundation, Cornerstone Manor, Stop the Clot Alliance, Women & Children’s Hospital , Let Them LOL, Wear ‘N Share and Flight 3407 Families.
Each fall, Deborah’s store offers “The Gratitude Tree”, in conjunction with a local Clarence Center family. Community members complete and hang a tag with what they are grateful for. During the holidays, it converts into “The Giving Tree” where visitors take an angel tag to help a person in need. This past year, over 150 local WNY families received holiday gifts. Additionally, the store has housed a Women’s Bible Study, which has grown to over 100 women, representing dozens of churches across Buffalo.
Deborah also has a true appreciation for local talent and has supported over 50 WNY artists through the years , serving as an incubator for their success. She also strives to work with national brand companies that are equally philanthropic and purposeful in their business mission, such as her jewelry lines that fundraise to fight against human trafficking, homelessness, providing provision in crisis relief.
Deborah is a UB School of Management Graduate with a background in Sales & Marketing. Deborah is a founding member of the Meet in the Center Merchants Association, that offers family festivals & community beautification projects. She is a recipient of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce President’s Award for her role in community efforts associated with the Flight 3407 crisis in Clarence Center and also received the Clarence Chamber of Commerce Young Leader Award. Deborah resides with her husband Nick, and daughters, Brooke and Amanda in Clarence.
Congrats Deborah! We hope you will join us to celebrate Deborah and our six other outstanding Women Who Move the City Honorees on Wednesday, May 10th at the Hotel Lafayette. Tickets are going fast so click now to purchase!
