The annual Junior League of Ocala’s Autumn Gift Market supports community impact projects.
The massive Southeastern Livestock Pavilion complex hosts myriad events throughout the year. From November 15th to 17th, more than 70 vendors filled the sprawling venue during the 24th annual Autumn Gift Market hosted by the Junior League of Ocala.
The market is the league’s oldest and largest fundraising event. This year’s version started Friday evening with a VIP night. On Saturday and Sunday, guests could peruse vendors inside and outside, visit food trucks, enjoy a specialty beverage at the VIP Booth and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of many goodie-filled baskets.
Offerings from vendors included aromatic candles, kettle corn, hot sauce, clothing, jewelry, holiday wreaths and much, much more.
The event also included a special opportunity for children to visit Santa Claus and have photos taken with him. They also could have colorful designs painted on their faces as part of the fun.
The Junior League of Ocala is the local chapter of the Associations of Junior Leagues International, a women’s service organization with more than 140,000 members worldwide. The organization’s goal is to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women and improve communities through the action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Funds raised through the annual gift market support the local league’s Community Impact Projects, with a focus on women and children’s advocacy.
One initiative is the R.E.A.C.H. program at Oakcrest Elementary School. So far in the 2019-2020 school year, the league donated 300 uniform shirts to students, purchased 250 books for fourth and fifth graders, and created “The Nest,” a resource room with school supplies, clothing and shoes.
To learn more about the league, visit www.juniorleagueofocala.com
