by Kelsey Schutz
Plans are currently underway for the 60th annual Passavant Auxiliary Bazaar, and the public is cordially invited to attend. The two day fundraiser will be held on Friday, November 13th from 3:00 to 6:00 and Saturday, November 14th from 10:00 to 3:00. According to the 2015 Passavant Auxiliary Bazaar co-chair Janet Chipman, many of the activities being offered and the items available for purchase at this year’s event focus on the idea of gifts.
“The theme that Ginny Fanning (2015 Passavant Auxiliary Bazaar co-chair) and I chose is Gifts Abound. We really wanted to highlight what a gift it is to our community to have Passavant Area Hospital and what a gift it is to have such an active auxiliary that does so much to support the hospital,” said Chipman. 
Founded in 1896, the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary is comprised of volunteers who work to advance and promote the welfare of the Passavant Area Hospital. Through the proceeds raised by the annual Bazaar and several other fundraising efforts, the group is able to provide scholarships to hospital employees seeking to further their healthcare training, and purchase various equipment needed by the hospital. The earnings from the 2015 Bazaar will go towards purchasing a new Echocardiography System.
In congruency with this year’s theme, the auxiliary is pleased to announce two new features. On Friday evening from 5:30-6:30 in Passavant’s Meeting Room Two, a centerpiece class will be held.
“We know that the hospital is one of the significant centerpieces of our community. We thought it would be fun to bring people together, offer some wine and cheese and make a centerpiece that they could be used for the upcoming holidays or be given away as a gift,” shared Chipman.
The class is limited to the first 25 participants and reservations are required. The cost of the Centerpiece class is $40, which includes materials and refreshments.
Also new to this year’s event is an inspirational desktop thought wheel, available for purchase at the Bazaar for $10. “We came up with the idea to gather quotes from auxiliary members, volunteers, medical staff, hospital board members, and employees and put together a daily thought wheel to celebrate the gift of wisdom. We’re really excited about this item because, while it’s made for this time of year, it’s really something timeless.”
For holiday gift shopping the Bazaar will contain an Antique Boutique, a Gift Gallery, a Holiday Wreath and Floral section, and a wide selection of items available from local vendors. The Hospital’s Gift Shop, which is operated by the Auxiliary, will be open for shopping during the Bazaar. There will also be a food section with lots of delicious treats and frozen items for sale.
In addition to the plethora of edible items for sale, Bazaar goers may partake in Breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning beginning at 9:00 AM, and Saturday’s Luncheon from 11 AM to 1 PM. Reservations are required for both events. 
Throughout the Bazaar, several local individuals will be sharing their musical gifts. Featured musicians include Richard Dunseth, Timothy Chipman, Steve Lillpop, MD, and students from Routt Catholic High School.
“We have so many wonderfully, talented people volunteering for this year’s event,” expressed Chipman. “So come out, shop, eat, and sit with your friends and enjoy a little background music, as well.”
For questions about the 2015 Passavant Auxiliary Bazaar or to make reservations please contact the hospital’s volunteer office at (217) 245-9541, ext 3199.
