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player ready...Holiday shopping came to Evanston early with last weekend’s gift show hosted by the Woman’s Club of Evanston.
All in the name of battling hunger, the annual holiday bazaar has been a club tradition for more than 20 years. The pre-Thanksgiving event features a juried arts and gift show that is curated to showcase handmade designs.
All the proceeds this year are going to fund programs and organizations in Evanston, Skokie and Rogers Park that address food insecurity.
Molly Conrad, holiday bazaar event chair, says the notion that Woman’s Club of Evanston members are a bunch of women in big hats sitting around drinking tea is outdated.
“We are modern women, rolling up our sleeves, working to help people in our community who need it most,” Conrad said.
With a membership of over 300, the club celebrates the 21st year of their Community Grants Program in support of local organizations that serve under-resourced populations.
Conrad says the holiday bazaar is their greatest contributing event to the WCE Community Grants Program, and this year they hoped to raise $20,000 over weekend sales.
This year’s gift fair featured 44 artisans and vendors offering shopping over both Saturday and Sunday in gift categories including accessories, food, home goods, jewelry, clothing and more.
Sharon Steckel of Skokie says she attends the bazaar every year.
“There are many holiday shopping events around, but the bazaar is special because it supports the community and the important work done by the Woman’s Club of Evanston, what better reason to come out and support this fun holiday event,” Steckel said.
Roberta Chrobak of Schaumburg also attended on Saturday.
“My sister and I have an annual holiday tradition to shop the holiday bazaar, which always has unique, beautiful, high-end gifts that you won’t find anywhere else,” Chrobak said.
Stacy Rauba of Stacy & Yutaka says she creates fine fashion and handmade accessories for women and likes to participate each year.
“Our products are so appreciated here, and it’s the ideal place for us to connect with new customers in this elegant environment,” Rauba said.
Conrad says while the bazaar has become an important fundraising event, it also strengthens the group’s ties to the community and serves as reminder to the public that their club house is available for rentals such as weddings and business meetings.
“At the Woman’s Club of Evanston, we consider this our comeback year after COVID, we always look forward to the holiday bazaar, to spreading the word of who we are, and to having some festive fun,” Conrad said.
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter.