This story appears in the Spring 2024 issue of At Liberty.

Every fall, the Friends of Paul’s Run, an organization of resident volunteers, and team members at Paul’s Run senior living community in Northeast Philadelphia, PA, come together in an exciting fundraising event to benefit the Paul’s Run Fellowship Fund.

The daylong event offers jewelry, handmade crafts, books, baked goods, pretzels, and hot dogs for sale at “the Bazaar.” In addition, raffle tickets are sold throughout the month for a chance to win one of multiple Tombola Baskets filled with goodies.

According to Molly Bybee, Director of Community Life at Paul’s Run, “Planning begins in October and the Bazaar takes place one day every November. It is organized through Community Life in conjunction with the Friends of Paul’s Run and numerous resident volunteers and staff who participate behind the scenes and work at the event.”

Residents Volunteers Have Fun While Working Together

This year, resident Pat S. spearheaded the jewelry sales. She and several volunteers collected, inventoried, priced, tagged and displayed jewelry donations from residents.

Pat shares, “We were lucky to have such terrific volunteers working together as a team on this project. There were more than 1500 pieces of jewelry donated by residents, families and team members; everything from bangle bracelets, regular bracelets, watches, rings, pins, necklaces, earrings, collectible bells, a pearl necktie and pearl collar; even sunglasses, so there is still plenty leftover, which we’re holding for the next sale.”

“Next to sorting through all that jewelry, the biggest challenge was deciding how to price the items. Residents donated a number of beautiful pieces, including a cameo, a Limoges brooch, and an authentic, Camrose & Kross necklace and earrings inspired by First-lady Jacqueline Kennedy,” according to Pat.

She continues, “We had Fossil watches for sale for $ 15.00 which were a great buy since Sister Geraldine put new batteries in all of them. We even had cat-themed jewelry for all the Cat-Club members. One volunteer handled the earring table, and also volunteered as the Cashier. We even had assistance from Reverend Michelle working at some of the tables.

“We were delighted with the jewelry sales. One of the loveliest results of the day was that volunteers who worked together enjoyed socializing and felt like they had made a new friend in the process of volunteering.”

The Paul’s Run Bazaar Exemplifies the Spirit of Neighbor Helping Neighbor

Camille, resident and chair of the Library Committee, was the perfect volunteer to manage the book sales. An avid reader and member of the Book Club, she knows more than most when it comes to books and authors. She collects books donated by residents and either places them in the Paul’s Run Library, sells them at the Book Sales, or donates them elsewhere.

Judith S-G., a resident who leads the Knitting Club, helped resident volunteers create knitted craft items to donate and sell by providing whatever tools they needed, from lighted knitting needles to yarn. She and other members of the club worked for months knitting baby caps, sweaters, scarves and other items to sell.

“We also derive a great deal of support from team members who donate items that are included in the Tombola Baskets,” Molly adds. “The 20 available Baskets were very impressive this year thanks to the creativity and generosity of those who contributed. The variety of themes always ensures that there’s something for everyone.”

“Baked goods consisted of cookies and cakes that were baked and donated by residents and individual team members,” added Molly. “The highlight every year is discovering (and buying early before it sells out) what Brikena from dining services has baked.”

Patty Cline, Director of Advancement, adds, “The Friends of Paul’s Run started the Bazaar decades ago to help raise money for the Paul’s Run Fellowship Fund for benevolent care. This year the event raised $6,166.75.

“The Bazaar exemplifies the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor, ensuring that no resident ever has to make the tough decision of leaving their friends at Paul’s Run due to financial hardships.”