UMW Bazaar nets $18,000

Final figures aren’t in yet, but early indications are that the annual United Methodist Women’s Bazaar held Nov. 14 brought in about $18,000.

Beth Wideman, president of the UMW at First United Methodist Church, said money will continue to come in from late sales and donations.

The UMW bases its next year’s budget on what is earned during the bazaar. The group supports church projects, community charities, mission trips and international projects.

“Everything went smoothly,” said Wideman, in spite of the fact that the chairman of the bazaar had to resign for personal reasons. “Everybody stepped up,” she said. Each of the room chairmen carried on seamlessly with what had to be done.

This year the “take-out” room selling the chicken salad plates did its best business ever, with some 400 meals sold. Daphne Glazer, who co-chaired the lunchroom with Georgette Griffith, said a total of some 900 plates of food – both eat in and take out – were served.

Wideman said the Silent Auction, headed by Mary Beth Freeman, had excellent returns. Carolyn Bell and Cheryl Newell, co-chairs of the Home Accents Room said knitted items, shadow boxes and Christmas balls and wreaths made from old jewelry, adult bibs and baby items were especially popular.

And, as always, the Bake Room headed by Joyce Kerby and Joyce Hitt was a success.

Iona Watts chaired the Attic Treasures room, and Rosemary Luckie took orders for monogrammed items.

Wideman said the UMW has about 100 members, but almost everyone in the church contributes in some way to the success of the bazaar, “from preparation to purchasing.”

A tradition in Demopolis for more than 50 years, the bazaar signals the unofficial beginning of the local Christmas season.

For those who were not able to attend the bazaar, some items remain for sale. Contact the church at 289-1933 for more information.