Thirty-four young entrepreneurs came together at the Johnson Run Pavilion on Saturday, July 22, to host the first Kids4Kids Farmer's Market in Statesboro. These 'small' business owners hosted 18 booths with products ranging from slime to jewelry to baked goods to golf cart washing services.
The market efforts were philanthropic, too, as the proceeds from sales were donated to Fostering Bulloch. In just two short hours, the young sellers raised an impressive $1,445 for the organization.
Moms Karen Brazell and Sonia Dismukes were instrumental in the planning and hosting of the event.
"Earlier this summer, we had a fundraiser at our sunflower field benefiting Saylor’s Light," Brazell said. "People were invited to take photos in our field for a donation. During that time, my kids had a lemonade stand that sold strawberry lemonade, chocolate chip cookies, sunflower bouquets, and Boro Sno popsicles. They raised $260 at the lemonade stand alone!"
"The kids did so well and enjoyed it so much," she continued. "Sonia Dismukes and I thought it would be fun to have a farmers market just for kids. It would give children an opportunity to become entrepreneurs for a day and have the experience to give to a good cause. We chose Fostering Bulloch as our charity so that it was kids helping kids."
It was a beautiful summer Saturday for an outdoor market, and creativity was on full display at the tents and tables of the businesses in attendance. Shoppers could choose from Chandler’s Slime Shop, Back2School, The Cookie Jar, Addison’s Bracelet Company, Statesboro Storm Golf Cart Wash, Greyson's Bracelets, Cannon's Cards & Cokes, B’s Jewelry and More, BlueSky Jewelry, Ellie Kate's Blind Bags!, Tin+Tea’s Lemonade Stand, Paint a Pot, Wede-Pops, Easy E Cain-venience Store, Tessa Press, Avery’s Shirleys & More, The Cooke Girls, and Glitter & Glue.
Awards were given out to the following booths:
- Most Creative: Ellie Kate's Blind Bags (Ellie Kate Stackpole)
- Most Charitable: Avery's Shirleys & More (Avery Brown; most money raised with her 50/50 raffle)
- Highest Business Potential: Chandler's Slime Shop (Chandler Dismukes)
Avery Brown, daughter of Brooks and Rachel Brown, got her idea for Shirley Temple drinks and kits from happy memories of enjoying the sweet beverage on a vacation to North Captiva Island with her family.
"They were so good that it gave me the idea," Avery said. "I wanted to make kits because some people would want to bring it home instead of drinking it right then. I may do pina coladas or strawberry daiquiris next year!"
Avery said the market was not only fun but also a great chance to help other kids.
"It felt really, really good," she said of raising money for foster kids. "I just felt awesome! I hope it helps kids to buy new clothes, shoes, and food. I really loved it and would love to come back to do it again!"
Avery's mom Rachel said she has the kindest heart and enjoyed being able to help other local children who are in the foster care system.
In addition to the funds raised, the market was great fun for all the sellers and shoppers. Brazell says they hope to hold the market again next year.
To learn more about Fostering Bulloch and how you can help with their current fundraising efforts, click here.
