Shoppers lined up before the annual Vicar’s Landing Holiday Boutique opened at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Volunteer Al Chatkewitz said it took about five days to set up the merchandise in the main room filled with furniture, lamps, glassware, cutlery and decorative items. The sale was organized by categories including Christmas, linens, art and handmade items. The jewelry room is always one of the most popular, with bargain hunters lined up about 25 deep at 10:30 a.m.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Vicar’s Landing Scholarship Fund. Bud Boesel is a retired lawyer and helped draft the Members Association of Vicars Landing’s scholarship document. The 501(c)(3) presents several awards from $2,500 to a maximum of $5,250.
“Any employee can use the funds to take a course to become an American citizen or to improve skills,” Boesel said. “It’s paid directly to the school for tuition or books. The total is about $185,000 each year.”
Chatkewitz said the event raises funds for employees and provides bargains for shoppers. “It’s a great deal for both sides,” he said.
