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This giving season, the Woman’s Club of Evanston inspires gift giving, with a fundraiser in support women and children in the community.

The Woman’s Club of Evanston presented their 2022 Holiday Bazaar this weekend, an annual event, in support of their community grants program, raising funds for charities that serve Evanston, Skokie and Rogers Park.

Mikayla Bloomer of Grayslake will give a home to one of Kevin Barthel's Snow People which she found during the 2022 Holiday Bazaar.
Mikayla Bloomer of Grayslake will give a home to one of Kevin Barthel’s Snow People which she found during the 2022 Holiday Bazaar.

Now in celebrating its thirtieth year, the Holiday Bazaar is back in full-swing, after a smaller pandemic version last year.

Event co-chairs Chris Gretchko and Michelle Salazar, said this year, they hosted 54 vendors and had 1000 shoppers throughout the weekend — offering special one-of-a-kind, handmade or hand-designed gifts in home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gourmet foods.

“Each year we focus organizational giving on one important issue, and this year’s giving focus has been to encourage children to grow through the arts,” Gretchko said. “The Bazaar brings joy to shoppers, and to our 150 volunteers, and its purpose is really grounded in the club’s history.”

Rosemary Reed (far right), of Skokie Provisions showcases some sweet and savory culinary inspiration during the 2022 Holiday Bazaar this weekend, an annual event, in support of a community grants program that raises funds for charities that serve Evanston, Skokie and Rogers Park.
Rosemary Reed (far right), of Skokie Provisions showcases some sweet and savory culinary inspiration during the 2022 Holiday Bazaar this weekend, an annual event, in support of a community grants program that raises funds for charities that serve Evanston, Skokie and Rogers Park.

Since 1889, The Woman’s Club of Evanston has supported organizations that make a difference in the community, and in this spirit, all net proceeds from Holiday Bazaar are donated back to the community in the form of small grants.

In addition to unique juried artisan finds, the event offered a raffle, prizes and a silent auction.

Kevin Barthel of at Home with Kevin, participated for the first time this year in the Holiday Bazaar.

Kevin Barthel of at Home with Kevin, sold his Snow People during the 2022 Holiday Bazaar this weekend, an annual event, in support of a community grants program that raises funds for charities that serve Evanston, Skokie and Rogers Park. Barthel was one of 54 vendors offering special one-of-a-kind, hand-made or hand-designed gifts in home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gourmet foods. Here Mikayla and Kelsey Bloomer of Grayslake make their selection.
Kevin Barthel of at Home with Kevin, sold his Snow People during the 2022 Holiday Bazaar this weekend, an annual event, in support of a community grants program that raises funds for charities that serve Evanston, Skokie and Rogers Park. Barthel was one of 54 vendors offering special one-of-a-kind, hand-made or hand-designed gifts in home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gourmet foods. Here Mikayla and Kelsey Bloomer of Grayslake make their selection.

“During the pandemic I spent my time making hundreds of snow people, and during that time, I would always say, someday I’ll do a craft show,” Barthel said. “Well, that someday is today.”

Jennifer Akese also brought her Akese Styleine designs to the Bazaar.

Jennifer Akese brought her Akese Styleine designs to the Bazaar. She was one of 54 vendors offering special one-of-a-kind, hand-made or hand-designed gifts in home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gourmet foods.
Jennifer Akese brought her Akese Styleine designs to the Bazaar. She was one of 54 vendors offering special one-of-a-kind, hand-made or hand-designed gifts in home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gourmet foods.

“It’s great to have an opportunity to share the color and diversity of my designs with the Evanston area audience,” Akese said.

The Woman’s Club of Evanston Holiday Bazaar was held at the historic Woman’s Club of Evanston clubhouse at 1702 Chicago Avenue, on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With free admission all weekend, the Friday event preview party, offered a first peak for a ticket price of $25 per person.

Barbara Raidl of Kinaloon.com, showcased cards, made from her original silkscreen and letterpress designs. Raidl was one of 54 vendors offering special one-of-a-kind, hand-made or hand-designed gifts in home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gourmet foods, at the 2022 Holiday Bazaar.
Barbara Raidl of Kinaloon.com, showcased cards, made from her original silkscreen and letterpress designs. Raidl was one of 54 vendors offering special one-of-a-kind, hand-made or hand-designed gifts in home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gourmet foods, at the 2022 Holiday Bazaar.

Helen Trainor of Evanston said this was the first time she had attended the event.

“I am always on the lookout for handmade, handcrafted finds and here there has been an overwhelmingly lovely selection of unique gifts to choose from,” Trainor said.

54 vendors offering special one-of-a-kind, hand-made or hand-designed gifts in home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gourmet foods, at the 2022 Holiday Bazaar.
54 vendors offering special one-of-a-kind, hand-made or hand-designed gifts in home décor, apparel, jewelry, accessories and gourmet foods, at the 2022 Holiday Bazaar.

Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.