By Lisa Carolin
The Holiday Shopping Extravaganza is coming up on Wednesday, Dec. 2 in the St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea (SJMC) Atrium lobby. It will offer all sorts of gift items for the holidays and it’s for a good cause.
The Extravaganza is put on by SJMC Nursing Education and Development Council in collaboration with the SJMC Education Department with proceeds benefiting the SJMC Nursing Scholarship Fund.
The fund was created in 2010 by SJMC to encourage higher education for registered nurses through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or higher degree. Money raised at the Extravaganza will provide scholarships to qualified applicants pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s Degrees.
Pat Parr is the Director of Education at SJMC.
“We are excited to say this is our first Holiday Extravaganza,” said Parr, who added they were encouraged by their colleagues in Ann Arbor running similar events for a number of years.
“We would like to raise $4,000-$5,000 that would directly benefit the fund. Monies will support any Registered Nurse to return to school to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a higher degree,” she said.
The Scholarship fund began in 2010 when a study by the Institute of Medicine showed the positive impact to patient care with RNs having an advanced degree.
“The vendor registration fee goes directly to the Nursing Scholarship Fund,” says Parr. “Additionally each vendor is donating a $40 item for a door prize drawing in which customers will purchase a ticket for the opportunity to win one of many items. The ticket proceeds will also go directly into the Nursing Scholarship Fund.”
The Holiday Shopping Extravaganza runs from 7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. in the SJMC Atrium lobby, 775 South Main St. There will be a variety of vendors and crafters with lots to buy for the holiday season. Vendors include Great Harvest Bread, Stein flowers as well as local store representation. There will be holiday ornaments and arrangements available to purchase along with homemade woolen mittens, fleece blankets, personalized pillowcases and more.
There will also be tickets to purchase for door prizes and box lunches from Joe’s Java.
