By Steffen Klenk
If you’re looking for a unique gift for someone special in your life, you may find it this weekend at the annual Christmas Mart at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point. Hosted by the Charity League of Atlantic County, this event began in 1947 and has become a South Jersey tradition spanning generations.
Attendees can expect to find a wide array of handcrafted items, from beautifully made ornaments and decorations to table runners, tree skirts, gourmet cakes, pies, and delicious cookies made by a secret recipe.
The annual event is best known for its limited-edition pins, each one designed and created with a new Christmas theme. They have become a staple of every Christmas Mart since 1948 and have become keepsakes. The design of each year’s pin is unveiled on the first day of the show.
Additionally, over 21 vendors will be in attendance, including MudGirls Studios, Ventnor 7311, Pine Barrens Post, and Talk of the Walk, among others. The two-day event will also include raffle prizes and a 50/50 drawing.
Judy Dale has been involved with the Charity League of Atlantic County for the past 10 years, having recently served as president of the organization. Dale says its active members prepare for the Christmas Mart all throughout the year. “On Mondays, we meet and work on the Christmas ornaments in sequence, and Wednesdays we work on putting the pins together exclusively.”
Proceeds from the Christmas Mart will support local Atlantic County organizations in need, including the Atlantic County Day Nursery, The Donny Fund, Avanzar (formerly known as the Women’s Center), Covenant House of Atlantic City, and the Family Service Association. Each year, the Charity League raises over $100,000 through the sale of its pins, handcrafted items, and special events.
The Charity League of Atlantic County was founded in 1932 by Clara Reeve Endicott as the Junior Committee of the Atlantic City Day Nursery and consisted of local women who donated their time to the nursery. Three years later, the Charity League was incorporated, and volunteer efforts were increased throughout the area. The organization is comprised of 50 active and associate members, with active members volunteering over 200 hours per year.
The 76th Annual Christmas Mart will be held Friday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greate Bay Country Club, 901 Somers Point-Mays Landing Road. For additional information, visit www.charityleague-ac.com or follow The Charity League of Atlantic County on Facebook.
Photos provided by Charity League of Atlantic County
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
