The Village Green was bustling over Memorial Day weekend at Art for a Cause 2019. The Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley hosted the craft fair, which displayed works from over 90 artisans throughout the Southeast. Vendors set up shop in booths throughout the park exhibiting hand-crafted leather items, unique ironwork, stitched textiles, intricate jewelry, thrown pottery, and homemade treats.
Cashiers Rotary members showcased their culinary skills at the refreshment booth, keeping the crowds full and energized with grilled items and additional refreshments.
Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley sponsored Art for a Cause over Memorial Day weekend.
Many of the crafters have been participating in this show for years because of the beauty of the Plateau, a well-organized show, repeat customers, and proceeds benefiting nonprofit and local charities throughout the area.
Jason Becker, of Hilton Head, N.C. has purchased a booth for 8 years. Selling hammocks and swings, he and his family use the trip as a family vacation.
“We come and work the show, selling over Memorial Day Weekend, and then rent a cabin in the Cashiers-Highlands area for the week,” said Becker.
Hammocks were one of the many crafts available at Art for a Cause over the weekend.
Anne Taylor, of Pensacola, Fla. made the seven-hour drive for the fifth consecutive year to join the show.
“I make all of my jewelry, personally and by hand, selling it on my website and at shows similar to this; but this show is unique because a lot of these customers are regulars who I see year after year,” said Taylor.
Anne Taylor (blue shirt), of Pensacola, Fla., makes the seven hour drive for Art for a Cause each year.
Admission into the event was technically free, with a suggested donation of $3-$5 per person and artisans paying a registration fee of $200 per booth for the weekend. With this, the Rotary was able to raise proceeds toward the Cashiers Rotary Club Charities Fund. The CRCCF supports area charities, local schools and nonprofit organizations, community projects, and scholarships.
Co-presidents of the Cashiers Rotary, Emily Reback and Malice Grant kept the festival running smoothly throughout the busy weekend.
“Art for a Cause is our biggest fundraiser toward our nonprofit charitable giving and to date we have been able to distribute more than $1.3 million back into the community,” said Grant. “This show alone raises an average of $48,000.”
Rebak said it couldn’t be done without the help of volunteers.
“A huge thank you to the community for supporting this event, coming out and volunteering,” Reback said.
Art for a Cause is a bi-annual show, with the next show spanning Labor Day Weekend 2019. Further information can be found by clicking HERE.
Article and Photos by Maggie Burd
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