The Foster House II hosting holiday vendor show
By Christine Haines
chaines@yourmvi.com
A Mon Valley business is taking steps to help make Christmas a little more cheerful for area children by hosting a holiday vendor show Saturday to benefit Toys for Tots.
The Foster House II in Belle Vernon (Washington Township) and Lisa’s Leggings will present “A Girls Gotta Shop” holiday vendor show from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at the Foster House sports bar and grill, located at 1 Cook Rd., Belle Vernon.
Vendors are providing auction baskets to raise money for the Toys for Tots program.
Theresa Bashada, who owns the Foster House II along with her husband Dave, who also works for the Belle Vernon Area School District, said they just wanted to do something to help local children.
“Because of the need in this area, especially during the pandemic, we want the children in the area to have a nice Christmas,” Theresa said.
Theresa said they have done smaller vendor events along with Lisa Benyak, who has a business that sells women’s leggings, but this is the first charity fundraiser they have worked on together.
“We limited it to about 15 vendors because of COVID, with 6 feet between the tables and enforcing mask wearing,” she said. “I was a little hesitant to draw attention to it because of COVID, but it’s for the kids, so we just need to enforce the masks.”
Based on fundraising events held at the Foster House for local school sports teams, Theresa anticipates raising about $1,000 for Toys for Tots Saturday, including 10% of the business proceeds for the day as well as auction proceeds from the vendor baskets.
New, unwrapped toys may also be brought to the event. Theresa said the Foster House serves as a drop-off location for Toys for Tots, a continuation of a family tradition.
“We have a box. We’ve had one for the past three years,” Theresa said. “When my girls were little — they’re 26 and 27 now — we’d take them down to The Valley Independent to drop off toys.”
Participating vendors include Lisa’s Leggings by Lisa Benyak, JKD Wreaths by Janice DeLattre, Kat’s Uncommon Krafts woodcrafts by Kat McGrath, the Crafty Cannoli Co. custom images, tees, tumblers, ornaments and more by Beth Pellegrini and Jessica’s Sabika Glitter Gals, Sabika jewelry by Jessica Schoss.
Also participating will be Color Street and Younique by Lisa Spagnolo, Gypsy Gems fashion and Christmas Jewelry by Brandy Hurst, Sew Prim and Proper hand-sewn fabric and felt holiday creations by Robin Schoss, Studio J Creations vinyl crafts on mugs, wine glasses, bibs and more by Jenny Colditz, Delilah’s Sparkle for $5, Paparazzi jewelry by Delilah Pore and The Sweetest Thing homemade cupcakes by Anya Schoss.
Additional participants include Fallon Cleo Couture kids’ bows and accessories by Holly Frances, Joyce’s Sweet Treats homemade holiday baked goods by Joyce Totin, Healing Touch candles and wax melts by Rachael Bires, Farmasi Makeup by Heather Fazio, Thirty-One bags, gifts and accessories by Lisa Zumbro and Hair Especially for You Steeler gear, purses and jewelry by Pam Crawley.
