With a vision to create the signature fundraising-scholarship event, The Hammond Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization (www.thehammondfoundation.org), hosted its inaugural “Joyful Noise Holiday Bazaar and Bakeshop” on Saturday, November 13th at Dominion High School in Sterling, VA.
Dominion High School- whose principal, Dr. John Brewer, was recently awarded Loudoun County’s Principal of the Year and the 2010 Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leader Award for Loudoun County- proved to be an amazing venue for the charitable event. It showcased a powerhouse of a local high school -- clean and pristine in appearance, one of the best in the area-- and kept the focus of the event on its key audience: the students.
Vendors at the top of their trade came with a heart of service and an excitement for the event. The mission was simple: establish the heart of The Hammond Foundation and its desire to unify, purposefully spread joy to all of those in attendance and raise funds for its collegiate scholarship fund; one that continues to serve the Loudoun County, VA and St. John’s County, FL communities.
“It is proven that even with the economic struggles that many are facing, we cannot allow to students to forfeit their education and dreams. Now, more than ever, The Hammond Foundation is pressed to rally together with the communities that it serves, and optimally serves its students with the financial support that they need,” says The Hammond Foundation founder, Verle Hammond.
Creative entrepreneurs such as Andrea D’Ambrosia Jewelry http://andreadambrosia.com/home.html , Fast Snail Creative Greetings & Design http://www.fastsnail.com , Purple Skirt Press http://www.etsy.com/shop/PurpleSkirt , Jes M Designs http://www.jes-m.com , Brand of the Free tee’s http://www.brandofthefree.net , Artsy Fartsy Jewelry (www.artsyfartsyjewelry.com )and Sweet Life Art http://www.sweetlifeart.com, were among the 50-plus vendors in attendance.
The spirit of the venue was one of service, purpose and gracious giving; a greater meaning that takes shape within the heart of The Hammond Foundation. Attendees were encouraged to “Make a Joyful Noise with Their Giving”: the themed message for the event. “The Bazaar was so well done. I look forward to an even bigger and better Bazaar next year. Those in attendance did not leave disappointed,” says co-founder, Eleanor Hammond. Holiday Bazaar shoppers were greeted by both the founder and co-founder of The Hammond Foundation, as well as given an eco-friendly tote bag for shopping ease.
“My hope for the event was that people left with a feeling of joy, a desire to give and a heart for encouraging the educational pursuits of local students,” says Executive Director, Veronne Williams.
The Hammond Foundation will continue to host the Joyful Noise Holiday Bazaar and Bakeshop every year. To learn more about the event, donate, participate or volunteer for next year’s event, contact Veronne Williams, Executive Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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p.s. the cupcakes were AWESOME!!!