Rejoicing in Our Present: Holiday Fair
The first version of the BBC Holiday Fair was a small December Fair put on by the Women’s Fellowship. They intended – and envisioned – this would be an activity that would encourage great fellowship, as well as serving as a way to raise funds for the church.
The Fair was held in the chapel area and in Community Hall, and included children’s games – and Frank Pease playing Santa Claus. Long-time member, Janet Bantly, reported, “Unfortunately, we had everything but children at that Fair.”
Eventually, a committed group made up of Janet Bantly, Jan DeBoer, Joyce Davis and Pat Foot spearheaded plans to enlarge the Fair, with the intent of selecting projects within the church for the use of the Fair profits (such as new draperies for Fellowship Hall).
Though not everyone thought expanding the Fair was a good idea, Pastor Doug backed these plans, and the group went forward.
Long-time BBC Member, Bob Lindquist, began volunteering with the Holiday Fair in the early 2000s, when the Holiday Fair Team was recruiting volunteers to set up the Fair and serve at the various tables. By this point in time, events at the Fair had really evolved, expanding to include the Bistro, Attic Treasures, and Sveds’ Spreads (which Bob identifies as “the early ‘money makers’ and key shoppes of the Fair”).
There were also knits, books, gift baskets, and jewelry, requiring many hands and many volunteer hours. At first, all the proceeds of the Fair went to benefit the church.
Janet Bantly reported,
“As the Fair grew, we decided to donate all the proceeds to local non-profits, and had a representative from each organization speak to the congregation about their goals and plans.”
Bob remarked,
“I don’t know when that objective changed, but when the shift occurred to give away all that we made, rather than keep it, the whole atmosphere and enthusiasm to help make the Fair a success became a community event. And with the advent of that change, the leadership gradually shifted to a larger Steering Team, which began meeting earlier in the year, making plans for improving an already efficient system.”
The Silent Auction, which took up a considerable amount of space in the lobby, was well-run by David Hill and his very efficient team.
The COVID years, from 2020 to 2022, forced Fair leadership to adapt and make changes. “Greater Giving” was contracted as our online partner for marketing. With this new addition, BBC members Jean Holm and Michael Kemp took on major roles, leveraging their years of tech and digital experience to create an online silent auction.
Pastor Doug suggested that the Silent Auction Team buy gift certificates from businesses, rather than asking them to donate, during a financially tough time. The response was so positive that most businesses donated anyway, and we were able to support local organizations that needed it during that difficult time. In 2021, limited Shoppes like Sveds’ Spreads and the Flower Shoppe were reintroduced.
In 2022, it was decided to bring back the in-person Holiday Fair, with the Silent Auction remaining online, being held a couple of weeks earlier than the Fair.
Bob Lindquist shared, “With the change to an online format, Chuck MacMillin steered the ship for the Silent Auction, with huge support from Jean Holm and Michael Kemp, and added many more solicitors to the team.”
Paula David, who had recently joined the church, began serving as lead on the Steering Team, incorporating goal-setting and volunteer management, and creating a new brand and communications for the Holiday Fair.
Celebrating 20 Years of Sharing God’s Love
This year marks a special milestone for Brewster Baptist Church as we celebrate our 20th Annual Holiday Fair! As our primary fundraising activity, the Holiday Fair has become a cherished tradition, supporting our Cape Cod community in meaningful ways.
This year, the festivities kicked off with our Online Silent Auction from October 11 – 20, grossing over $20,000. Our theme, “Sharing God’s Love in Practical Ways,” guides every aspect of our efforts, ensuring that each visitor experiences the warmth and generosity of our congregation.
Over the past 19 years, the Holiday Fair has raised an impressive $574,000, benefiting 24 Cape Cod charities. Our top five beneficiaries include the Homeless Prevention Council, Habitat for Humanity, Lower Cape Outreach Council, A Baby Center of Cape Cod, and Faith Family Kitchen. The proceeds from the Fair enable us to bless organizations who assist our neighbors with everything from food, diapers and clothing; to mortgage or rental assistance; to counseling, addiction and grief support.
Wendy Cullinan, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, shared the impact on her organization.
“Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod has seen a remarkable increase in the number of homes we build, growing from just one or two each year, to over ten. The unwavering commitment to community demonstrated by Brewster Baptist Church is deeply appreciated, and is a testament to why they are held in such high regard by Habitat Cape Cod and the entire Cape community.”
The Brewster Baptist Church Holiday Fair donations have had tremendous impact and helped our team at Homeless Prevention Council to serve more than 2,000 people each year, and more than 50,000 people since our founding in 1991. Not only do the funds from the BBC Holiday Fair have great impact on our ability to serve all who need us, but the tremendous spirit with which the church delivers this support and thanks HPC for our work, inspires our team to keep up their efforts—particularly as need grows in our community.
Hadley Luddy, CEO of the Homeless Prevention Council.
Edye Nesmith, Executive Director of Cape Cod Council of Churches, also expressed gratitude for the support they have received.
“The Cape Cod Council of Churches exists as an expression of Christian ecumenical ministry. This allows for powerful witness as we gather in a community of caring with our Cape and Islands neighbors in need. We are so grateful to Brewster Baptist Church for partnering in ministry with us through donated goods, volunteers and financial support.”
The success of the Holiday Fair is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our congregation. Last year (2023), nearly 250 members and friends came together to plan, solicit donations from businesses for the Auction, build and manage the Auction and Fair websites, set up and break down the Fair, work at a Shoppe or the Bistro, park cars, welcome visitors, count the cash, and feed weary volunteers.
Countless people also donated attic treasures, crafted beautiful items, baked delicious goods, and prepared jams, jellies, and spreads to sell at the Fair.
The Holiday Fair Steering Team, which operates as an overseeing body (with no terms of service), plays a crucial role in organizing these events. Our 2024 members are Amanda Carter, Paula David, Jean Holm, Barry Hutchinson, Bob Lindquist, Chuck MacMillin, Pam Praetch, and Jill Scalise. Their dedication and leadership ensure that each Fair is a resounding success.
Join Us on Saturday, November 2, 2024!
We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this special anniversary. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, delicious treats, or simply a sense of community, the Holiday Fair has something for everyone. Come and experience the joy of giving and the spirit of fellowship that defines Brewster Baptist Church.
Let’s make this 20th Annual Holiday Fair the best one yet!