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Community Corner

Tacky is Good at the "Bizarre Bazaar" March 22

Start gathering up those things you just can't throw out, but will agree to place in a good home. Proceeds to help local families through Bridges at the Shore program.

Got a Donald Duck gravy boat?  How about that framed Elvis, on velvet?

“Bring it,” says Kathy Logan, coordinator of the 3rd Annual “Bizarre Bazaar" to benefit the non-profit agency Bridges at the Shore program for families in need.

The entertaining event will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at the Holmdel Fire Co. Number One Firehouse at 35 W. Main Street (Rte. 520), Holmdel, between 7:30-9:30 p.m. Coffee and dessert will be offered.  

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Admission is $10 and a non-perishable food item for local food pantries. The event is open to all.

The set up is similar to a white elephant gift swap.  You need to bring that unwanted item from home for the evening's Bazaar. 

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Or, as Logan puts it: "Bring the ugliest thing that you can find in your house that you never want to see again."  Don't wrap it up.

You'll receive a number at the door.  When your number is called later in the evening, whichever item is being held up at that moment – however “bizarre” – is yours.  Don't worry though, everyone gets a chance to swap.

“You can switch 'em or ditch 'em,” says Logan.

Artwork, lamps, bowls, vases, sets of glasses, figurines, or small household items can range from tacky to tasteful.  One year, a coveted Buddha head made the rounds.

“It's two hours of a lot of fun -- and so much laughter,” says Logan.

The Bazaar has quickly become popular and has sold out over the last couple of years.  It's a good idea to make your reservations early to secure a spot, Logan advises.  

Bridges at the Shore is a non-profit, grassroots charity starting its 19th year.  Volunteers supply clothes, lunches, toiletries, and other necessities to those in need in Monmouth County. No one is turned away. Logan, a Holmdel resident and retired social studies teacher in the district schools, has been helping the organization from nearly the beginning.

“We started out going into New York City, helping homeless men,” says Logan, “but we've seen an increased need right here in Monmouth County, particularly Freehold, Red Bank, and Keansburg, so we've re-focused our efforts locally.   Now we see whole families, the working poor.”

Volunteers and donations come from many avenues and include Boy and Girl Scout troops, seniors, each of the Holmdel schools, churches, and synagogues.

“Every penny we make goes right back into the program,” says Logan. “Our volunteers pay their own gas, use their own cars. They're an incredibly dedicated group.”

She said that helping the community is its own reward. “So many of the people we help say 'We never thought we'd be in this situation.' That's what keeps us going."

For More Information:

Admission is $10.  For advance ticket sales contact Kathy Logan, (732) 706-9467.   Make checks payable to H.C.C. (Holmdel Community Church).  Please include all names if you're reserving for a group.

Tickets will be available at the door if space remains.  Donations are gratefully accepted even if the event is sold-out.

Non-perishable food items will be donated to Keansburg food pantries St. Mark's Kitchen and Project PAUL.

Email: bridgesathteshore@hotmail.com

On the web:  www.bridgesattheshore.org

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