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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb (UUCD) is thankful for the strong community support for the first of its two Winter Market Fundraisers that was held on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
The market had 290 shoppers, 30 vendors, 16 local musicians, and several church staff who generously helped raise approximately $3800 in revenues for the church.
One hundred percent of these earnings will go towards paying for two new furnaces, without which the church could not have committed to reopening its overnight warming center beginning January 11, 2025.
“UUCD winter markets have always been popular events thanks to their festive and friendly atmosphere,” said Dorothy Coleman, the UUCD Market Coordinator in a news release. “But this December’s market was especially successful owing to strong community support for our overnight welcoming center. We feel humbled by the large number of shoppers that attended, many who donated additional funds beyond the $1 admission fee, and by the generous donations from vendors of 10% or more of their market earnings. Plants by Holy Ground, featuring uniquely decorative potted plants by UUCD Emerita Minister Rev. Linda Slabon and UUCD Music Director Toni Tollerud, notably donated 100% of their market earnings.”
Vendors for this fundraiser included ABC Living, Afterglow Creations, AnLevek Shop, Ann Oak Apothecary, Candy Lady Sweets, Cat’s Pajamas, Charter Grove Honey, Classic Books, Crea8ingOne 3-D Designs, Creative and Unique, Deb Askelson, DK’s Woodshop, Fabcutter, Flourish Bakery, Hasselmann Family Farm, Hallauer Woodworks, Ihm Family Farm, Kathy’s Nook, Little Red Truck, Loveless Fiber Farm, Michael Day’s Photographs, NatureFlow, Plants by Holy Ground, Rugs & More, SAS Jewels, St. Roger’s Abbey, Tammy Johnston, Tin Shed Farm, and Wine Candles by Brent.
Many of these vendors will be returning for the February 8 market, in addition to several new vendors.
Musicians for the December market, many who have already volunteered to perform during the overnight warming center’s meal train dinners starting in January, included Bonnie Anderson, The Wandering Strings (Bob & Frankie Benson and Jan Knudsen), The Wacky Keys (Dave DK Kolars, Mike Warfel, and Chris Dean), Alan Polansky, Mitchell Irwin, The Woodruffs (Bernadette and Elisa), Anthony Padilla, Dori Hepperly, Howard Soloman, Matthew Sobek, and Zachary Keith Harris.
The church hopes to have similar support for its second market fundraiser for its furnaces on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, just in time for Valentine’s Day and early spring holiday shopping. All are welcome!
Dorothy Coleman
DeKalb