FORT RUCKER, Ala. (December 6, 2012) -- More than 1,200 people came out to Yano Hall to enjoy everything the 2012 Fort Rucker Community Spouses' Club Hollyday Bazaar had to offer Dec. 1.
The bazaar was a good opportunity for people to enjoy food, fun and crafts provided by more than 65 vendors, as well as a chance for people to support a good cause, according to Andrea Merrigan, Hollyday Bazaar co-chair for FRCSC.
"It was a huge success and we had a large crowd this year, larger than last year's," she said. "There were a great variety of vendors that came out and all the proceeds that were raised went to benefit scholarship funds [provided by FRCSC], and some to the welfare program."
People were able to enjoy vendors with various items ranging from furniture to handmade holiday decorations and ornaments.
Sam Johnson, civilian, said the bazaar was her favorite event that she has attended so far this year.
"I'm really amazed at how big the event is," she said. "I can't believe the amount of different things that you can by, and the fact that a lot of this stuff is handcrafted makes it just that much better.
"It's been a great place for me to buy gifts for people since most of the items that I'm purchasing here are very unique," she continued. "I just absolutely love it and I already can't wait for next year's event."
Along with the vendors, people were also able to participate in Santa's workshop, where people were able to bring their children and make different crafts like picture frames, or even take a picture with Santa Claus.
The bazaar was also an opportunity for people to win prizes while helping out the FRCSC's cause.
"The vendors that are working here today, when they bought their booth, part of the contract was that they had to donate a prize for us to be given out," said Darcy Lynch, first vice president for FRCSC. "We sell opportunity tickets and then draw for prizes that we've been handing out to the people that are here today."
The FRCSC scholarship program provides students in the Wiregrass opportunities that they might not be afforded otherwise, said Merrigan.
"The Fort Rucker Community Spouses' Club, in conjunction with other organizations that have donated through our program, has distributed more than $133,000 in scholarships over the past nine years," she said. "Our primary mission is to develop a spirit of community responsibility, help the spouses on Fort Rucker and raise money for the area."
Many who attended, like Beth Price, retired military spouse, were happy to be able to help a good cause while shopping.
"It's always a great thing if you can do something you love and help people at the same time," she said. "I absolutely love to shop, and to know that me just coming here can help people makes me feel good.
"It's just a great program that they have with the spouses' club," she continued. "For them to be able to put on something as big as this shows that they're going to be able to help a lot of people, and I'm glad to be a part of that."
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