Arts and Crafts Benefit Bazaar set for Saturday in Broken Arrow
BY BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer
Friday, October 26, 2012
10/26/12 at 5:46 AM
The Alpha Rho Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha holds its 40th annual Arts and Crafts Benefit Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Oliver Middle School, 3100 W. New Orleans, (101st between 129th & 145th) in Broken Arrow.
The bazaar, which brought in $221.84 in its first year, has now raised more than $230,000 for local charities, state projects, Easter Seals and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - a longtime beneficiary of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International.
At this year's bazaar, visitors will find scarves, belts, handmade wooden toys, painted glass, embroidered bibs, earrings holders, blankets, quilts, fudge, dog sweaters, knit apparel and other items that make great gifts for the holidays.
Admission is free. Alpha Rho will have a food booth with soft drinks, coffee, biscuits and gravy, hot dogs, apples with caramel, and other concessions.
Alpha Rho will celebrate its 40th year holding the bazaar with a Congratulations Cake. Vendors and shoppers are welcome to a free slice of the cake until it is gone.
This annual event has allowed the chapter to participate in a range of philanthropy it might have otherwise thought impossible.
Money raised has gone to help families pay utility bills, buy gas for their vehicles and purchase food and school supplies for students.
Tulsa Area United Way's Margaret Hudson Program has used the chapter's donations to buy items including awards for girls showing academic excellence, baby strollers and play equipment.
Meals on Wheels has used donations from Alpha Rho to buy food for those unable to cook and shop for themselves and created blizzard grocery bags when bad weather prevents food deliveries.
"We have fun, work together and meet a common goal to share our efforts, talents and love for what we do and care about," said Janet Gray, publicity chairwoman for Alpha Rho.
Proceeds from this year's craft show will benefit Meals on Wheels, Broken Arrow Neighbors, the Margaret Hudson Program, Clarehouse, Oklahoma School for the Blind & Deaf, Easter Seals and St. Jude.
The local chapter has also adopted three children at the Oklahoma School for the Blind whom it supports with special gifts, money for field trips and more.
For more, email craftshow102712@aol.com.
Original Print Headline: Benefit bazaar Saturday
Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com
