This article was featured in WYDaily on 11/18/22.

The Heritage Humane Society hopes everyone is on the “nice” list because its 2022 Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 19 is going to be filled with gifts for everyone from furry friends to human companions, alike.

This annual event makes the holiday season comes alive with local shopping that supports a local cause. Come out Sat., Nov. 19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to Bruton Parish Hall located at 331 W. Duke of Gloucester Street.

 

Merry marketplace for a cause

For those who are committed to supporting the local community during the gifting season, this Holiday Bazaar delivers. Many talented volunteers showcase their style at a variety of themed stations throughout the event. Not only do sales stay local, proceeds directly benefit the homeless pets at The Heritage Humane Society. Like many shelters across the country, Greater Williamsburg’s largest animal shelter is feeling the intense strain of a large volume of homeless pets and people parting with their pets due to economic conditions.

Shoppers and supporters will find heartfelt creations, delectable soups from area chefs, and a treasure trove of raffle prizes. Gift baskets for pets and people, jewelry and scarves, holiday decorations and stocking stuffers, and homemade baked goods will make it easy to shop in one location for many family members, friends, and furry companions. A pet boutique will feature fun, festive outfits and accessories for your favorite canine and kitty. There will also be a kids’ corner complete with books, games, stuffed animals, and more.

 

Handmade gifts, life-changing results

Proceeds from the Bazaar help cover even the most basic, yet most necessary needs of pets in the care for The Heritage Humane Society. From food to vaccinations, the proceeds from the sale of handmade gifts stays right in the local community and immediately provides life-changing support.

Barbara Streb is a Heritage Humane Society Auxiliary volunteer. She makes many of the fabric creations available at the Holiday Bazaar.

 

Streb shares, “We began selling a small number of handmade fabric items at the bazaar around 2005, adding a few things each year after, until we had seven tables and there was no more room! We begin planning and looking for new fabrics in January, focusing a great deal on animal-related cotton prints, many of which will be quilted. This year shoppers will find everything from dog beds, coats, bandanas and bow ties to cat mats and catnip toys, with lots of things between for the pets on their lists. Gifts for the pet lovers will include lap throws, a variety of tote and other bags, kitchen-related items such as microwave cozies, tea towels, potholders and aprons to name just a few. We are happy to be helping raise money for the homeless pets. Seeing shoppers happy with what they find for their families and their furry ‘best friends’ makes it all the better.”

 

For shoppers interested in dog sweaters, Streb encourages them to make the hand-knitted dog sweater table a first stop, which it has become for many returning shoppers. This year there will be a wonderful choice of colors and designs thanks to knitters throughout the community and local knitting groups. The sweaters go fast, though, so serious dog sweater shoppers should arrive early.

Susan Kenney is the HHS Auxiliary chairperson for this event. She adds, “This bazaar is unique because our goods are mostly handcrafted. We have remarkable handsewn fabric creations from our talented team of sewers and knitters. Our Auxiliary members bake delicious treats for our bakery table. We also appreciate support from the Williamsburg-area businesses. They donate fantastic raffle prizes. Of course, our Gourmet Soup Sale is always a hit–a wide selection of soups donated from our favorite restaurants. We encourage everyone to shop with us–we promise gifts for all the pets and people on your list.”

 

Gourmet soup pick-up in person

Gourmet soups created by 19 of the area’s top chefs and restaurants were available for pre-sale online. Soups can only be picked up in person at the Holiday Bazaar. While online sales have closed, any unsold quarts will be available, as well, at the Saturday event. For every quart of gourmet soup purchased, a fresh-baked baguette accompanies it compliments of Panera Bread.

Will you have the Golden Ticket?

Presales are open and are already strong for the Holiday Bazaar’s online raffles and tickets may also be purchased in person at the Holiday Bazaar, too. This year, there are six themed bundles: Fun for Two, Family Fun, Flowers & Jewelry, Williamsburg Fun, Something to WINE About, and FORE Golf Lovers and a seventh raffle item is a $500 VISA gift card.

Tickets are $5 each for even more chances to win, choose a Mega package for $100 or Sampler package for $25. All Mega package participants receive a Golden Ticket that will be drawn for the special $500 American Express gift card. Additionally, anyone who purchases raffle tickets totaling $100 or more will be entered into the Golden Ticket drawing for a $500 American Express gift card sponsored by Williamsburg Orthodontics.

 

The raffle winners will be drawn at the Holiday Bazaar on November 19. Winners will be contacted after the event. You do not need to be present at the event to win.

Community sponsors

Many sponsors throughout Greater Williamsburg help make this event possible so homeless pets continue being cared for as they wait for their forever homes. Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2022 Holiday Bazaar.

“We are proud to continue supporting Heritage Humane Society in their endeavors to provide for homeless pets year after year,” shares Dr. Sean Sparkman, Owner/Veterinarian at Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital.

The event is organized by the Heritage Humane Society Auxiliary, or HHS Auxiliary. There are currently 60 HHS Auxiliary members and new members are welcome. They meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 10:15 a.m. in the Heritage Humane Society classroom.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org or call 757-221-0150.

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