The Wintersville Catholic Parishes of Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Lourdes Churches are holding their third-annual St. Vincent DePaul Valentine's Extravaganza on Feb. 12.
The fundraiser is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Social Hall, Sargus Hall, 852 Main St., Wintersville.
The event consists of local artisans including bakeries, handcrafted items and an author with her Italian cookbook. Many vendors will provide samplings, and each will hold a drawing for his or her own custom products with all items available for sale to festival guests.
The event offers a unique opportunity for the community to support the local craftspeople as well as St. Vincent DePaul, according to a spokesperson.
"It is a perfect time to buy or sell that special gift for Valentine's Day and help support St. Vincent DePaul," said Linda Freed and Debra Latynski, event coordinators.
Vendor participation includes a $25 table space fee with checks made payable to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, 852 Main St., Wintersville, OH 43953. An additional requirement is a gift donation for the individual drawings. For information about becoming a vendor, contact Freed by phone at (740) 264-6539 or by e-mail at dolcepizzelles@aol.com.
"Last year was our second extravaganza, and it was highly successful," said Elane Renzelli, society director. "The money raised helped purchase food for the 70 plus households we feed monthly." The society distributes free food to qualified households in the Wintersville and Bloomingdale areas. In 2011, households received more than 30,000 balanced and planned meals packed by the volunteers.
The society also distributes Easter baskets and candy, Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets and children's gifts, and back to school supplies. Distribution information is available by calling (740) 264-9547.
