Lilian Thompson and Adilyn Bigenho have been best friends since they were babies. Besides the usual interests that friends share, the two Founders Memorial School students are united in a bond of caring and compassion that led them to organize a fundraiser to benefit causes very dear to them.
In 2019 they formed BFF Creations in preparation for the BeCAUSE Craft Show at St. Michael's College. The combination of crafting and raising money to help both people and animals was the perfect fit. Sadly, the arrival of COVID in 2020 meant the end of the craft show. Undeterred, the two pledged that if the show wouldn't happen this year, they would make their own show.
The BFF Creations Spring Cares Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In order to promote social distancing while allowing for personal interaction, they secured the use of the pavilion at Sandhill Park in Essex. Admission is free, and all proceeds will be for the benefit of designated charities.
The two have invited other crafters who wish to donate to their charities of choice to join them. As for their pet projects, the girls have let their personal experiences guide them. Lilian, 11, is donating her portion of proceeds to the UVM Medical Center Children's Hospital. Her younger siblings had required treatment for serious health complications after their births. Lilian saw the craft show as a way to give back to the health care professionals who had taken such good care of her infant sisters.
A dedicated animal lover, 9-year-old Adilyn has chosen a nationally-recognized organization to be the beneficiary of her portion of the proceeds. She saw a documentary about Danny & Ron's Rescue and decided to support them. The South Carolina duo who operate in the heart of "kill shelter" country have rescued over 12,000 dogs from certain death. As the owner of two rescue dogs who came to Vermont from South Carolina, Adilyn wants to make sure that as many animals as possible survive so that more kids can experience the same joy that she has.
Not to be left out, the younger sisters are contributing to the fundraising efforts. Clara Thompson and Laina Bigenho also happen to be best friends. Clara, 8, is helping create crafts because she is one of the beneficiaries of the UVM Medical Center's care. Laina, 7, has decided to contribute the money she earns from her crafts to ANEW Place, a faith-based organization in Burlington that provides support and shelter for the temporarily homeless.
Click and share the Facebook event https://fb.me/e/2O0vrQfG3 and plan to join the BFFs for fun crafts, food and friendship at this great little craft fair on Saturday, May 15!
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