DECEMBER 2016
DECEMBER 2016
Eleven-year-old Finny .
ley Grace products .
Finley Grace , the 11-year-old granddaughter of Bill and Patti , was born with “ Cri du Chat ” syndrome . Also known as “ 5P Minus ,” it ’ s a rare and incurable chromosomal abnormality characterized by physical and cognitive delays . Finley Grace , known to everyone as “ Finny ,” goes to school , plays with her friends , and teases her little brother Mack … just like a typical 11-year-old . Physical and speech therapy are part of the family ’ s weekday schedule and Finny uses an iPad as she learns to express herself verbally .
Bill and Patti established Finley Grace Productions several years after Finny ’ s birth to help pay for the current and future care of their beloved granddaughter . They began manufacturing air fresheners on the second floor and with lots of hard work , invaluable supplier contacts , and personality plus , the wickless soy candle business blossomed .
Made from 100 % Illinois soy wax , the candle fragrance will cover a 200-squarefoot area for at least 15 weeks even if the tin container remains open seven days a week , 24 hours per day . The wickless soy candles are perfect for a baby ’ s room , bathroom , office , university residence hall , senior care facility or anywhere one wishes to avoid use of an open flame or heat . The candles are biodegradable and safe for the environment . With 50 fragrances , the candles are the most popular item in the store . Bill reports , “ We have 1,000 pounds of soy wax delivered every Monday and I buy 122,800 tins at a time .”
The wickless soy candles can also be customized for special occasions such as birth announcements , wedding receptions , and corporate events . Using photos and logos supplied by the customer , the wickless candles are unique , popular , and reasonably priced . According to Bill , “ We can make 1,500 wickless candles per day , so we are able to meet the needs of our customers without any difficulty .”
As demand grew , Bill and Patti expanded the Finley Grace product line . It now includes travel candles , burn candles , candles with beeswax , soaps , lotions , potpourri , bath bombs , and solid perfumes . New this year is a burn candle in a rustic tin . “ It burns for 60 hours and the urban industrial look is really popular right now ,” said Patti . Bill and Patti travel to market each year – Dallas , Atlanta , Minneapolis , or Las Vegas – in hopes of picking up one or two viable ideas that can be adapted to Finley Grace products .
They select vendors with whom they have developed mutually positive working relationships . Bill said , “ We have known our vendors for years . It ’ s all about relationships . We want to work with the decision makers . We have high standards for product and delivery . That way everyone is happy … the customer , the vendor , and us .”
In addition to store sales , the Murphys work with approximately thirty groups a year – about one every other week – interested in fundraising . The wickless soy candles , burn candles , and bar soaps can be used singly or in combination for fundraising efforts by groups such as 4-H , elementary schools , Boy Scouts , and Future Farmers of America . Bill and Patti provide assistance that includes product selection , sales support , and general organization . All unsold items may be returned . For further information on fundraising opportunities , feel free to contact Bill or Patti at ( 815 ) 776-0811 .
Bill and Patti are equally active in Galena ’ s business community . At Home in Galena sponsors a youth volleyball team at the ARC ( Arts and Recreation Center ). In fact , Finny will be on hand at one of the games this winter .
They are also strong proponents of Galena ’ s Luminaria and Living Windows . On December 10 , Main Street will be transformed into a glowing winter wonderland . Over 5,000 candlelit luminaries will line the streets , hillsides , and walkways from Main Street to Grant Park . At Home in Galena provides all the candles and Bill , Patti , and their employees , along with Fred Bonnet and his crew at Fried Green Tomatoes , prepare the luminaries . The candles are made , inserted in plastic cups and then placed in sand-filled bags . They are distributed by community volunteers that evening and collected the next morning .
That same evening , more than a dozen windows come alive in shops along Main Street .
Smiling little elves have traditionally decorated cookies in the windows of At Home in Galena . Some of the first elves who appeared in 2005 are now seniors at Galena High School . With a smile on her face , Patti quickly rattles off their names , “ Oh , there was Olivia and Ella , Ava and Grace … they were so cute and it was such fun !” Music and laughter will be heard throughout the evening as strolling minstrels and families and friends enjoy the festive land of enchantment .
And what would the Living Windows be without Mrs . Claus ? Enter Elizabeth Murphy , Bill ’ s 92-year-old mother ! She fills the role perfectly and even made her own dress . Mrs . Murphy can often be found at the store where she continues to work four hours per day , four days a week . She has quite a following and many customers stop by to visit with her whenever they ’ re in town .
Civic minded and passionate , it is clear that Bill and Patti Murphy are engaged and outgoing members of the community . They give unto others regardless of the season and the recipients of their generosity are their customers , their community , and a little blond haired girl called Finny . v
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