DALLAS — Over 19 vendors displayed their wares at the Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s Fall Craft Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
The annual event, sponsored by the facility’s auxiliary, is a fundraiser to support shopping excursions, programs and entertainment for residents, as well as aid to purchase equipment, said Camille Sicolo-Fioti, director of residential and community services at the Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dallas.
In 2015, the craft fair raised over $1,200.
This year, Sicolo-Fioti believes the increase in vendors will bring in more money.
Vendors offered a variety of merchandise including seasonal wreaths, jewelry, a selection of nuts, handbags, baked goods, a holiday table, artwork and much more.
“It grows each year,” said Louise Montigney, who is a 30-year member of the Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Auxiliary.
Montigney and Marilyn Gregorski, a former organizer and employee of the Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, remembered the early days of the event, nearly 25 years ago.
“The residents loved it,” Gregorski said. “Their families would come and shop.”
Today, the event still maintains that connection with residents, families and the community.
“We want to do anything to bring the community into the center,” Sicolo-Fioti said. “It is great to see the residents coming down (from their rooms) and participating.”
Adele Reilly, a jewelry artist and vendor at the Fall Craft Fair, said her husband used to volunteer at the center and wanted to participate in the event.
“This is a great facility,” Reilly said. “They have wonderful activities, volunteers and staff here.”
The Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s Auxiliary has over 100 active members, Sicolo-Fioti said.
The organization holds many fundraisers throughout the year, including the Market on the Pond in June.
