Sorority craft show raises scholarship money

The Christmas season began a little early at Binford Elementary School, 315 North Drive, Saturday morning.\nCheerful gingerbread-man signs led the way as the scent of pies, cookies and spices filled the air. People cheerfully shopped for seasonal decorations and the gifts from local crafters at the eighth annual Tri-Kappa Annual Arts and Crafts show.\nThe show is an annual fundraising event held by the members of Tri-Kappa, a service sorority with roots in Bloomington.\nAngie Martin, chairwoman of the event and Tri-Kappa member, said the event is aligned with the organization's history and goals. \n"Tri-Kappa really has its roots in Bloomington," she said. "It was started in Bloomington in 1901 by 12 women who joined together to form a sorority that supported the local arts, education and culture."\nProceeds from concessions and admission to the craft fair contribute to the Tri-Kappa coffers, which in turn supports various local philanthropies. Some of the beneficiaries of the funds include two scholarships for high school students; donations for the theater, music, and art departments at Bloomington High Schools North and South and a continuing education scholarship at IU. \nOne of Tri-Kappa's hallmark fundraising events, the craft show is an eight-year tradition in the community and among crafters and has been growing in popularity. What started as a small fair has bloomed into a craft show that overtakes the elementary school gym and fills the hallways with handcrafted treasures.\nCrafter Jackie Hall has been with the Tri-Kappa show since its beginning. Delving into the crafting world with inspiration from her mother's now defunct Nashville, Ind., store, she offers authentic Russian nesting dolls along with wreaths decorated with seasonal themes.\n"I continue working the Tri-Kappa show primarily out of loyalty," she said. "Besides, it is a wonderful organization that does a lot of good in the community. I see some of the same customers here every year. Even though it's been a year, it seems like you're just where you left off. It really helps build a following."\nLoyalty from the crafters is one area that Tri-Kappa prides itself on.\n"We attract our crafters with word of mouth," Tri-Kappa member Aggie Sarkissan said. "We strive to treat the crafters well and make it easy on them."\nAssisting Tri-Kappa with the crafters were several Girl Scouts of the Tulip Trace Council, a regional organization spanning 10 surrounding counties.\n"The Girl Scouts are a great help," Sarkissan said. "They help set up and relieve crafters, so the booths are never empty. They also go around taking lunch orders. The service helping our crafters also helps them achieve some badge requirements."\nMost who volunteer at the craft show are there to raise funds for Tri-Kappa's causes.\n"My favorite cause is the continuing education scholarship," Martin said. "It helps out women who are trying to restart by getting an education while still juggling the demands of a family and job. I wish we could raise more money, just so we could donate more to this scholarship."\nThe local application of funds is what drives many of the members of Tri-Kappa to succeed in this annual event.\n"The great thing about Tri-Kappa is I can see the money working in the community," Sarkissan said. "It helps my neighbors, the people I can see every day. It's really great to be able to see the results so well."\nFor more information about the Tri-Kappa sorority or to make a donation contact Angie Martin at 824-2200.