Gifts, handcrafts, baked goods in store for 11th-annual Holiday Bazaar

The 11th-annual holiday bazaar sponsored by the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Chapter JC is set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Sequim Community Church, 950 N. Fifth Ave.

This event offers an array of gift items, including original, hand-made crafts, quilted goods and unique Christmas decorations from local artisans. There will also be home-made baked goods and food-stuffs, hand-made cards, plants and used books and puzzles.

This year’s event features three silent auction items, including a 47-inch-by-46-inch, hand-made and hand-appliqued snowman quilt; a fabric “Old McDonald’s Barn” with felt animals for children to learn how to use Velcro, snaps, zippers, and buttons; and a fashionable, eco-dyed silk scarf.

Additionally, shoppers may purchase $1 raffle tickets for the annual raffle prize which is a “ginger-bread”-themed gift basket valued at $175.

Silent auction and raffle winners will be announced at 1 p.m. and need not be present to win.

“This enticing event brings people from throughout the area and provides early shoppers with highly-valued, original and reasonably-priced treasures in time for the holiday season,” P.E.O. Chapter president Joan Bennett said.

Scholarship nominee

The annual bazaar raises funds for P.E.O. International scholarships, grants, awards and loans to help women enhance their lives through learning.

This year, P.E.O. chapter JC has nominated Sequim High School senior Jessica Dietzman for a $2,500 Star Scholarship. This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to exceptional students from the U.S. and Canada. Last year there were 760 Star Scholarships awarded.

Dietzman is recognized for her academic achievement and while maintaining a high grade-point-average in her advanced placement classes, she is also the captain of the SHS girls basketball and tennis teams and a member of the girls soccer team.

She and her tennis partner Kalli Wiker were Washington state 2A girls doubles tennis champions in 2019.

Dietzman is also a church youth group leader and is active in other Sequim community service activities.

About P.E.O.

Chapter JC is one of 13 P.E.O. chapters on the Olympic Peninsula. This Philanthropic Educational Organization has been a pioneering force for women’s education since 1869.

P.E.O. makes a difference in women’s lives with six different programs including the Continuing Education Grant and ownership of Cottey College for women in Nevada, Mo.

Today, P.E.O. has more than 238,000 members in the United States and Canada. Find more information about P.E.O. at www.peowashington.org.