The Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House will be holding a scrapbooking fundraiser on Saturday, February 22, at the Hixson Church of Christ on Hixson Pike.
Sarah Bullington and her mother Brenda Brackett, owners of Scrapbook Heaven in Hixson, will be hosting the 12-hour marathon event. Ms. Bullington said all proceeds from the fundraiser along with scrapbooking materials will be donated to the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House.
Ms. Bullington said scrapbooking makes a good fundraising activity, but it can also be a therapeutic exercise. “Most people begin scrapbooking when a baby is born, someone is married or a loved one dies. A lot of these families at the Ronald McDonald House are dealing with emotional issues and this is just one outlet for them to deal with their grief. It helps them to look at the pictures of their loved one and remember not only the bad times, but the good times also.”
The $30 registration fee includes all meals for the day-long scrapbook event, provided by donations from Krispy Kreme, Pizza Hut, McDonalds and Chick-Fil-A. Participants will bring their own scrapbooks and materials to the church for the fundraiser from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday. Basic supplies will be available for purchase at the church, as well as the opportunity to take six classes teaching different scrapbooking techniques. Each class costs an additional $2.
Jane Kaylor, Executive Director of the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House, said this fundraiser will not only help with the costs of running the house, but that the donation of scrapbooking materials is more than a kind gesture. “About half our families have a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit. Taking pictures as their child progresses is so important to these folks - they often can’t hold their babies for months after they’re born. And for some of these families, a scrapbook may be the only memory they’ll have.”
Ms. Kaylor said fundraisers like this one keep the doors at the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House open. “We have 26 families a night staying here and that takes a lot of resources. We so appreciate the support of the community.”
There are still a few spots open for the fundraiser. Participants must pre-register by calling Scrapbook Heaven at (423) 875-3986.