The Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps marched into the festive season with their Christmas Bazaar at the Camana Bay Arts and Recreation Centre on 26 Nov., where more than $27,000 was raised for local charities.
For over 30 years, the Pink Ladies have brought their festive tea party to folks young and old, and this year’s event did not disappoint. The entertainment was endless, the tea and cakes were delicious, and shoppers seeking bargains found plenty.
Launching the Christmas mood was the National Choir singing old favourites and new. An assembly featuring students and teachers from high schools’ swing bands entertained, and rounding out the musical treats was Kate Allenger on her violin.
This year’s dancers were young stars from Haresh Bhagwandas’ Bollywood Dance Pulse, whose onstage energy was contagious.
A small crew of Pink Ladies work all year long to make the Christmas crafts to deck the halls with a touch of homemade warmth. The Country Kitchen this year once again offered mince tarts from the governor’s kitchen that are the first to disappear. More jams, jellies, cakes and cookies were sold than ever before. There was not a crumb left on the table by the end of the night.
Throughout the day, raffle winners scooped up 24 prizes worth more than $3,000, all donated by various businesses across the island.
The Pink Ladies gives all profits from the day to charities on the island. The early estimated net tally of all sales was $27,000. All monies will be distributed to charities across the island.
The Christmas Bazaar also provides the opportunity for charities to sell and be seen. On hand were representatives from NCVO, Jasmine, the YMCA, and the Humane Society.
And, of course, Santa himself was there to hear from the little ones, and to give parents a photo opportunity with their child.
The Garden Club, who give all their profits to the Pink Ladies, had their eagerly anticipated plant sale just outside the Arts and Recreation Centre.
Along with the spring fashion show held at one of the hotels on the island, the Christmas Bazaar is the Pink Ladies’ major source of income, now that their coffee shop at the Cayman Islands Hospital has closed.
For roughly 30 years, tickets have been $5 for all the events and tea, and they remain that way so that all can afford to attend.
Organisations such as Dart, Davenport Development and the late Craig Arch, were their major donors, along with many other businesses on the island who have helped to make this well-loved event a success.
- Article submitted by Faye Lippitt
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