Bazaar well supported
Published 10:10 am Wednesday, December 5, 2018
- Katrinka Gayles, owner of SweeTrinkas, stands with her delicious display of gourmet treats during the inaugural Christmas bazaar held Saturday
The first Christmas bazaar of its kind held Saturday at Central Middle School experienced a strong turnout of vendors and customers and raised approximately $1,000 for Bacon District Elementary School, according to organizers of the event.
Addison Duffer and Bridglee Malsbury take part in a painting party through
an organization run by Paula Hariston during the inaugural Christmas bazaar
held Saturday at Central Middle School.
Vendors during the event sold handmade signs, handmade Christmas wreaths, embroidered sweaters, handmade baskets, handmade jewelry and gourmet desserts among other items.
Children who attended participated in a painting party. Kevin Brogden, a Charlotte County native and graduate of Randolph-Henry School, brought his food truck, Papa Joe’s.
Bridgette Malsbury, who attended the bazaar with her daughters, said she was enthusiastic about the event.
“We’re so excited they’re getting to do this for the school,” Malsbury said.
Marsha Green stands with her handmade earrings during the
inaugural Christmas bazaar held Saturday.
Bacon-District Elementary School previously received a 21st century grant from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
The school was only one of two schools in region 8 to receive the honor for the 2018-19 school year, said Bacon District Elementary School K-5 Math Specialist Duffie Jones.
The grant allows “school divisions, faith-based organizations and
LaVater Walker with Intercept, a youth services organization
for foster children and families, stands
by her table during the inaugural Christmas bazaar
held at Central Middle School.
community groups to provide students with tutoring, enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs and literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children,” said the release from VDOE. “VDOE also is continuing to fund 83 programs that received initial grants in 2016 and 2017.”
Bacon District was granted $178,658 per year for a three year period, totaling $535,974.
Sylvia Waller, event organizer, said the bazaar served the dual purposes of creating an event that brings the community together and raises funds for students.
Deborah Pegram, owner of Sewing 4 1, stands by some of her favorite sweaters
she has made during the inaugural Christmas bazaar held Saturday.
Waller said the grant the school receives covers a great deal in terms of programs available for students, but said the funds raised from this event would allow students, a large amount who live below the poverty line, the chance to become engaged in the community and take part in activities that they may not be able to do otherwise, such as seeing movies or attending community events.
The same organizers are putting together a Gingerbread Run 5K on Saturday at Charlotte Court House to raise funds for the Bacon District program.
Organizer Duffie Jones said there were approximately 30 vendors who participated in the event.
Jones said for those who were unable to attend the bazaar but were interested in donating to the program or purchasing items from vendors, she can be reached at jonesmd@ccps.k12.va.us.
