10 Days To Fair!

Volunteerism is a fascinating concept.  When I first spoke with Aisha about taking over for 2012, I asked why she volunteers ( I have my reasons...).  She was perplexed, but answered, "Because it's what we do."  In my mind there was no better answer.  It's what we do.  Volunteers don't ponder, "What's in it for me?" or "How good will this look on my resume?"  We just dive in and take care of whatever needs to be done, satisfied at the end of the day that we did the right thing.  Anyone who has volunteered, then gone back to do it again, understands what it's like to give and not get anything tangible in return.  For some of us it's pure addiction like a runner's high.

The last several weeks have been all about just diving in and getting the work done.  Life happens and this fair is important to Bella Vista.  Nancy and Gerry have spent countless hours as interim leaders, testing their mettle in the chaos of a foreign arena, and coming out women warriors.  Don't laugh!  I have been nothing less than impressed with their efforts, determination, patience, integrity and selflessness.  Because it's what we do.

Each time I see them they shower me with gratitude for coming back to assist them, guide them, and answer questions, but mine is the easiest part because I know the fair inside and out.  They took this over on Aug. 27th, completely in the dark, not knowing if they could pull it off in the short window of time left.  But, the vendors are confirmed, contracts are in place, parent and student volunteers are signing up, the new parking situation resolved, and we have a new food vendor joining us.  The weather promises to cooperate, as usual, and they'll only have themselves to congratulate when it's over.  Ok, and the students, parents, vendors, customers, etc.  ; )

Each year it's the volunteers that give of themselves to make our fair what it is and I, for one, can't be happier to say I was fortunate enough to be one of them.  The personal satisfaction factor is off the charts.  The friends I've made, having worked with some amazing parents, is priceless and will forever be some of my most cherished memories.

The Bella Vista PTSA is eternally grateful to all those who join us in every capacity and contribute the success of our fundraiser.

Thank you, Everyone, and we'll see you on October 5th!
Toni

No More Applications, Please

HAPPY FRIDAY!  Well, for us anyway.

WE ARE NOW FULL AND NO LONGER TAKING APPLICATIONS.

Anyone who has applied and paid using PayPal will be refunded.  IF we have a cancellation, we may make calls to see who is still willing and available to take a last minute vacancy and finalize payment at that time.
 
This year we celebrate the Fair's 30th anniversary and we so grateful to all the vendors, customers, parents and students, past and present, for making this event what it is today - a major contribution to our children's total learning experience.  Bella Vista High School is an outstanding school with an amazing faculty and staff, parent and student bodies.  The money raised in this one day provides those little extras like books, teaching equipment, scholarships, a teacher appreciation breakfast, band equipment, stage curtains, campus benches and plants, assistance for extra-curricular activities, emergency preparation kits, and so much more.  Every time a purchase is made, so many lives are affected and overwhelmingly appreciated.
 
Thank you, Everyone!!!
Bella Vista PTSA