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Two gift markets for charity coming up

Get a head start on holiday shopping.

By MARY JANE PARK, Times Staff Writer
Published September 30, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG- Volunteers from First United Methodist Church and the Junior League of St. Petersburg reprise two popular gift markets in October, offering participants a head start on holiday shopping and the opportunity to contribute to charity.

- Angels after Dark, scheduled Oct. 12 in the Bank of America Tower, benefits children's ministries and community outreach efforts at the church.

- Celebrate the Season on Oct. 26 benefits the league's extensive community projects.

Organizers have spent months planning the two events, including reviewing vendors and merchandise selections.

Both feature Tampa Bay area offerings as well as works from throughout the United States.

"We have great representation across different categories," said Mandy Rutledge, who is co-chairing Angels after Dark with Jennifer Winter.

Carolyn Buchanan and Susan Winzeler, co-chairs of the vendor selection committee, said they focused on finding a variety of offerings not typically found in traditional outlets, such as children's play clothes, including warm fleece items; jewelry that incorporates vintage photographs and religious icons; holiday giftware; and some custom designs.

Free child care will be offered on site at Angels after Dark, and food will be available at various times throughout the day.

Ginger Reichl, the league's public relations chairwoman, said offerings for Celebrate the Season also have been edited in response to comments from attendees at previous events.

There is no admission charge this year, although there will be a fee to attend a preview event the night before.

If you go

Angels After Dark

When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 12.

Where: Bank of America Tower, 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

Benefits: First United Methodist Church children's ministries.

Admission: Free.

Information: www.fumcsp.org.

Celebrate the Season

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 26. (Disco Divas preview party 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 25; admission $25 advance; $30 at door. Information: 895-5018.)

Where: Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg.

Benefits: Junior League of St. Petersburg community projects.

Admission: Free.

Information: www.jlstp.org.

[Last modified September 30, 2007, 01:20:04]