Jean Gordon
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 11:38 am

The third annual Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation (RCSEF) holiday bazaar is Saturday, November 16 from 9am to 4pm at Chase Middle School gymnasium.

Dozens of craft vendors will be on hand to sell their homemade crafts, food gifts, jewelry and numerous other crafts.

Among returning vendors is Rachael Bradley, Administrative Assistant of Human Resources/Onboarding Accounts Specialist for the Rutherford County Schools.

"As a vendor, I am thankful to have a space to share with others the things I am able to create. By renting a booth at this event, I know I am supporting the RCS Education Foundation, an organization which means a lot to me due to their endless support of our teachers and students throughout the year," Bradley said. "However, I am not sure that I come away with a lot a profit, due to the fact that it is so easy to turn around and use that to support other vendors at the event," she said.

There is a wide variety of vendors from books to candles to woodworking to tumblers to gorgeous prints of Santa Claus.

"Everyone can find something they don't want to leave without," Bradley continued. "I also love that this event supports small businesses, and that it gives people the opportunity to buy handmade items for friends and family. In a commercialized world where it is so tempting to click and buy gifts online for those closest to us, being able to add a handmade touch just helps us to slow down and be a little more present and intentional in our gift-giving," Bradley added.

Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the education experience for students, teachers, and the community in Rutherford County.

The Foundation also:

• Raises funds: The RCSEF raises funds to improve education for all students.

• Invests funds: The RCSEF invests and manages funds responsibly.

• Oversees bequests: The RCSEF oversees bequests of property and funds.

• Increases awareness: The RCSEF increases business and community awareness of needs within Rutherford County Schools.

• Honors individuals: The RCSEF honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of education in Rutherford County through its Hall of Fame.

• Provides mini-grants: The RCSEF provides mini-grants of up to $1,000 to encourage teachers, media specialists, and guidance counselors to implement innovative educational projects.

Recently RCSEF organized a Disaster Relief Supply Drive for those hit by the hurricane.