By Elsa Maxey
elsa@fortbendstar.com
Mary Favre, Sugar Land Plum Market supporters, amidst the many goodies at the event. (Photo Submitted)
The 14th annual Sugar Plum Market organized by Fort Bend Junior Service League with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital as its title and presenting sponsor along with the City of Stafford as the venue sponsor, again shows that holiday shoppers’ expectations were more than just met. Some say they were exceeded with the make-up of the vendors at this month’s annual fundraiser. Co-Chairs Sheila Cooper, Sherri Ebarb, Susanne Hiegel, Catherine Kubala and Stephanie Van Horn are commended for their leadership roles in guiding and directing the successful 2014 Sugar Plum Market. Proceeds from the Under the Mistletoe themed benefit are intended to assist local Fort Bend charities.
“I’ve done this for several years,” said Liz Furman while shopping at the market with plans on getting gifts for the holidays. She said one of her favorites was preview night. “It was a lot of fun, it was like a big party, and I thought I was going to buy all this stuff, but all I did was see one person after another, so it was a blast. So, now, I’m here to do some serious shopping.”
For those that didn’t make it this year, the mall-esque shopping at the Stafford Centre had an early start, billed as preview night on Nov. 6th with a $75 admission fee allowing participation that evening and for the entire two-day event. This more intimate shopping experience was limited to 650 people and it even sold out. The market followed on Nov. 7th and 8th, and priced at $10 a person for entry per day with a two-day discounted deal for the two days, the one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza turned out to be a good deal, not to mention how there were samples of all kinds of goodies to be had.
The feel of the event with the tremendous variety and assortment of classy merchandise was exciting. There was clothing, jewelry, accessories, home interiors, children’s items, food, holiday gifts and décor, all in that one holiday shopping place that presented each attendee with an expansive shopping bag. Organizers report that the merchant lineup included favorites from the previous year and also new ones. Title sponsor, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, was also on site offering mammogram scheduling.
The Junior Service League set its aims at topping the previous year’s successful event amounting to $223,000 for 17 local Fort Bend County charities. No doubt the announcement of the amount for the charities this year will soon be made. Since it began, the Fort Bend Junior Service League reports it has raised over $2.3 million to support agencies that serve the needs of Fort Bend County residents.
As for the Junior Service League, who are these enthusiastic, energetic, charitable ladies? They are women committed to improving the Fort Bend County community through volunteerism. The organization, established in 2001, focuses on educational and charitable functions, and continues to grow as does its passion for community service. It now also includes dues paying sustaining members, women 50 years and up afforded membership twice a year, in January and August. Just ask Mary Favre, who’s been spotted rounding up potential new members.
Plan on making it to next year’s Sugar Plum Market. For booth spaces, consider visiting fbjsl.com in February, when applications will be available for the 2015 Sugar Plum Market.