Northeast Georgia Health System’s (NGHS) annual Marketplace raised more than $320,000 in support of Safe Kids Northeast Georgia. That’s the largest amount raised in the history of the annual event. Safe Kids’ mission is to reduce the number of accidental injuries to children.
“Safe Kids’ vision is for the children of Hall, Lumpkin and Barrow County to have a safe place to grow and play, free from accidental injuries,” said Jessica Mantooth, trauma program director for Northeast Georgia Medical Center. “The important work we are doing in the community could not be possible without funds raised through Marketplace. What might seem just like a fun event to kick off the holiday season is really a way to make our community safer.”
This year’s Marketplace was held at the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Tech last weekend. It featured more than 60 merchants, family-friendly activities like cookie decorating and photos with Santa, an Artists’ Row featuring local art, a shopping area exclusively for men, a food court and more.
Planning for the event has been overseen for the last two years by volunteer tri-chairs Angie Kennedy, Annie Stanley and Daphaney Teaver and their committees.
“Angie, Annie and Daphaney brought tremendous passion and leadership to every detail of this year’s event,” said Natalie Challen, president of the NGHS Auxiliary. “It’s wonderful to see how they put their own spin on the event while continuing the legacy of all the tri-chairs who came before them over the last 30 years.”
The three-day event kicked off with the Preview Party on Thursday night.