With its hand-produced delicious gourmet popcorn and fudge, the Opportunity Enterprises’ Simply Amazing Market Holiday Open House was the place to buy holiday treats on Saturday morning from 9-3. Every purchase of a Simply Amazing Market item would support adults and children with disabilities support through employment, services, and enrichment programs.
During the event, children could also enjoy a visit with Santa while Lindsay Ellis, marketing director, and Julie McKean took pictures which parents could have sent to their home. Outside, the Hungry Truck served its homemade food, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit the Simply Amazing Market.
Beth McKee and Beth Dixon were just driving by and decided to pick up a variety of delectables and get some Christmas shopping done early. Customers could buy individually packed treats or opt for a gift basket.
Diane Sass is a long-time customer at the market. “I come every year. Their selection of popcorn is absolutely the best. I have family that works here as well,” Sass explained.
Jess Eurick was one of the participants at the Simply Amazing Market. He makes the popcorn and nuts, and packages them for sale. He was hard at work on Saturday to keep up with the great number of customers lining up at the register.
“The OE Holiday Open House event has definitely grown in the last year as people are continuing to learn about us. After all, we are serving over 1,500 families and improving the quality of their lives in some way. This event allows everyone in the community to help support us individually,” said Ellen de Martinis, Market Director.
Diane Burrus is an individual who decided to go a step further by volunteering her time and talent at the OE Market. Burrus said, “As a retired teacher, I like helping people. People with special needs are close to my heart and I would like to see the market continue to grow for the benefit of OE’s participants.”
As they shopped around, customers could enjoy warm apple cider and sample the market’s signature fudge. Customers could feel great about this type of holiday purchase: not only did they leave with a delicious homemade treat, they left knowing that by making a purchase from the Simply Amazing Market, they are helping to provide jobs for individuals with a disability.