Holiday fundraiser to support Bartlett Center program
By Jazmine Knight
The Bartlett Center is set to host its first annual Holiday Mart fundraiser.
Guests can support kids who use the facility and local businesses from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the center, 409 S. 18th St. The mart will feature an array of vendors including a permanent jeweler, custom Starbucks-type cups, wax melts and more.
LaTonya Williams, executive director at the Bartlett Center, said the Holiday Mart is a new idea intended to raise money for the agency’s annual Christmas Party.
“Budget this year for activities is a little bit kind of small, and we were just looking at another way in order to add to that budget,” Williams said. “We’re also hoping to be able to have a little bit extra in order to give the older kids a little bit of the proceeds.”
While Holiday Mart is a great way to shop for residents, it also gives older kids at the Bartlett Center a little bit of entrepreneurial experience.
“The kids will have a booth and the kids are making a lot of crafts right now, a lot of art projects and things like that, in order to sell,” Williams said. “The kids will also be collecting money.”
Arianna Davis-Williams, assistant director of professional development and training, said the Holiday Mart will give the community a chance to see the Bartlett Center as more than just a childcare program while also bringing exposure to small businesses.
“I just like having people in the community that come together in the Bartlett Center and just enjoying all that we have to offer,” she said. “It just means a lot to us to be able to look at everyone in the building and just having a good time.”
This year’s Christmas party is set to take place on Dec. 20. For Davis-Williams, her favorite part about the party is decorating. She said she chose a Polar Express theme right after Halloween and she’s excited for others to see it.
“So for Halloween, we have the whole haunted house tunnel. Well, we’re going to turn that into as if the kids are actually on the Polar Express,” she said.
At the end of the tunnel, Santa will pop out and give presents to the kids.
“We need extra money to get the presents and that’s why we’re also having the Holiday Mart.
Those attending the Holiday Mart are asked to donate at the door.
To be a vendor, it costs $25 per booth. Those who are interested should contact Arianna or LaTonya at the Bartlett Center at 816-233-8201.
The annual Christmas Party will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their pajamas.
