Monday, December 9, 2024

Furry Friends Feature: Festive Finds Benefiting Homeless Pets at the 2024 Holiday Bazaar

Step into a world of holiday magic at The Heritage Humane Society’s annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 23, where the warmth of community and shopping for a cause come together to support Greater Williamsburg’s largest animal shelter for homeless pets. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bruton Parish Hall in Downtown Williamsburg will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with delightful gifts, heartwarming treats, different raffles and joyful spirit, making for a community favorite and a highlight of the holiday season.

Treasures for Holiday Wishlists

The enchantment begins before even stepping foot inside Bruton Parish Hall. Along the walkway leading to the entrance at the side door, shoppers will be greeted by members of the shelter’s Animal Aces Kids’ Club.  Stop by their table, where the young members of the 2024 club have crafted jarred cookie mixes in chocolate chip and oatmeal chocolate chip flavors. There will also be jars for families to make dog treats. For the first time, they are also selling handmade ornaments featuring adoptable pets from HHS. As the inaugural year for the club, it saw 43 children join, with 2025 membership now open for kids aged 8 to 12.

Step inside and at every turn, shoppers will discover holiday treasures perfect for both people and pets, alike. From hand-stitched fabric creations and festive decor to elegant jewelry and delicious baked goods, each item has been thoughtfully curated to bring the magic of the season home. Young ones can even immerse themselves in the Kids’ Corner, where holiday surprises await.

This year’s event shines brighter than ever, thanks to the dedicated HHS Auxiliary and the generous support of local sponsors, led by Noah’s Ark Veterinary Hospital, which returns as the presenting sponsor for the fourth enchanting year. Also helping to bring to life this year’s Holiday Bazaar are sponsors The Tide Radio, WYDaily, WMBG Radio, Williamsburg Families, Williamsburg’s Next Door Neighbors Magazine, The Peninsula Center for Estate & Lifelong Planning, Williamsburg Downtown, Papa John’s of Hampton Roads, Jim Mundy, Williamsburg Event Rentals, Nautical Dog, Schwartzy’s Cat Cove, Williamsburg Orthodontics, Wilson Law PLC, Wild Birds Unlimited, Edward Jones — Antonija Simpson, Gore Capital Management, The Apartments at Kelton Station, and Maddie and Marley Christensen.

Variety of Raffle Prizes

For those who enjoy the thrill of winning, the Holiday Bazaar offers two ways to win cash and prizes. The main raffle is already open online. It features opportunities for every budget, with tickets available at $5 each or in larger packages, such as the $25 Sampler Package including seven tickets, and the $100 Mega Package that comes with seven tickets for each of the seven prizes plus a Golden Ticket. This Golden Ticket puts participants in the running for a $500 American Express gift card, courtesy of Williamsburg Orthodontics. Go online now to purchase tickets and see the themed prizes including:

Online raffle sales close at noon on Nov. 20, with the winners drawn at the event. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase in person on Nov. 23. If you are not there for the drawing, you can tune in to the raffle drawing on the HHS Facebook page for the exciting prize announcements that evening.

For those who enjoy the tradition of the 50/50 raffle, those tickets, which are separate from the online raffle, will be available at the Holiday Bazaar.

Soup Sale Pick Up

The highly anticipated gourmet soup collection adds even more seasonal warmth. Carefully crafted by 29 local chefs and restaurants, these soups are only available for purchase online and come with a fresh baguette from Panera Bread. Soup orders close at noon on Nov. 20. Only pre-ordered soups will be available for pick-up at the Holiday Bazaar.

Neuter Nuts Product Line Expands

Back by popular demand are the Neuter Nuts, a signature snack mix collaboration with Virginia Diner. Proceeds for these snacks-for-a-cause go towards the shelter’s spay and neuter fund to help humanely control the area’s pet population while providing a better quality of life for those cats and dogs. This year, two new flavors will debut: Syrup’s Snack Mix, named after a beloved shelter cat, and Puppy Chow. Returning favorites include the classic Neuter Nuts, Foster Fun Mix, and Double Dipped Neuter Nuts.

Ready to be Adopted for the Holidays

Nearly 230 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in the shelter’s care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.


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