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Christmas only comes but twice a year

By Rachel Healy
Web Editor

It might have been a sticky 91 degrees outside, but inside Kid Zone it sort of felt like winter.

One hundred percent of the sales of “Because I Care” T-shirts and hats went to the American Cancer Society.

The center was a festive showcase for table-top Christmas trees, holiday wreaths, custom greeting cards and stained glass — among other unique gifts and trinkets — during Garner’s first Christmas in July vendor and craft show.

View a slideshow of pictures from the event

Local merchants, artists and entrepreneurs occupied each room of the building, which is part of the Heather Parks Child Development Center, to display their wares. Sellers ranged from Happy Scraps, which sells art pieces made from scrap metal, to Leshena Washington, a beauty consultant who provides facials and makeovers.

A silent auction raised money for the American Cancer Society. Several auction items created by vendors, such as a gift basket from Mayken Memories, adopted a pink theme to reflect the fight against breast cancer.

T-shirts and hats designed by co-organizer Sherry Mitchell featured the same theme, represented by a simple flower with a pink ribbon stem. All money raised from the sale of her items went to ACS. In all, they raised about $250.

“When you’re doing something for the first time, you’re not sure what the turnout is going to be,” said Mitchell, who organized Christmas in July with friends Dawn Herring, Brook Brown and Denise Stewart.

Though the flow of shoppers was uneven, she said, the event turned out fairly well. She cited the broad range of items as part of the event’s appeal.

“There are multiple jewelry vendors [here], but they’re selling a variety of jewelry.”

Diane Dennis, president of Be Green, Be the Change, sold organic T-shirts created by local designers. The two-month-old company is based in the Cary/Morrisville area.

Ten percent of Be Green’s profits go to eco-friendly charities, Dennis said, and the print design process is handled by a company in Burlington, N.C.

Once their Web site is launched, users can submit their designs with the opportunity for them to be sold — a model made popular by the online T-shirt shop Threadless.

The company’s philosophy fits well with Christmas in July’s focus on local business and giving back.

“We want to build a community,” Dennis said.

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• Photos: Come on, get festive

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