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Pictures & Their Job Titles
Meet our Vendors and read all about their story.
The Beginning of B&G Sponsored Events
We were just simply signing up for craft sales and selling crocheted afghans made by Gail. There was a sale scheduled at our church that we were signed up for when the persons hosting backed out. There were nearly thirty vendors already signed up. The Church staff asked if we would take over the event.
We agreed and set about deciding where vendors would set up, where to put out signs and what advertising to do. It was stressful to say the least to be put into it this way, but we found we liked it. We learned real quick to investigate when a vendor put
“And accessories” on their applications. Our very first show we had mostly jewelry vendors.
Some time later, we tried an outside show combining a rummage sale with a bazaar. It was worse than we expected because the customers expected the regular vendors to sell their product at give away prices. It was a learning experience that we took to heart and didn't back away from hosting.
We have had a venue canceled on us only to find a rescue elsewhere. We didn't quit. We kept going on.
We started out hosting one show a year eventually our church decided to fold so we were allowed to give a farewell bazaar that year. We felt two a year was kinda neat. At one of our events we met up with a lady who convinced us that we could do more than two a year. She pushed us to do one a month but we held our ground and only did 7.
We took on the business name of B & G Sponsored Events about four years ago. I can't say if that's exactly when we were first known as “B&G Sponsored Events”, but the name did stick and we count our beginning as of the Christmas Bazaar Season of 2008.
Dear Vendors:
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT... STOP THE PRESSES!!!!
2022 Grampa Bill & Gramma Gail for Everyone Annual Free Community Toy Give Away
Annual Report
This was our third year holding a Free Community Toy Give Away. First Christian Church of Tacoma once again donated us space to hold our event. Our event ran December 14th through December 21, 2022 (8 days for those who may be counting.) We outgrew the chapel we used last year and were allowed to use the gym for the actual toy/clothing give away and Stone Parlor for the gift wrapping and phone calling to schedule families to come get toys for their children. The year before this one, we held the event out of our home.
We gained a new name for our nonprofit this year. We are now known as "Grampa Bill & Gramma Gail for Everyone". We are still trying to obtain our 501C3 status. Hopefully this can be accomplished early 2023. Last year we were "B & G Sponsored Events Annual Toy Give Away” and were not an official nonprofit. We are official now.
We realize that our event has grown so much, so fast, that we really NEED volunteers, and the perfect number of volunteers would be 22 all day long. Due to illness and injuries, several of our regulars were unable to help this year very much. Our list of volunteers got misplaced between the church and home after the event. Bill and I would like to thank Debbie McMillan, Holly Zerfass, Lacy, Cat Croft, Brandi Schisler, Marjorie, Frankie Sweet, Nick Sweet, Diane, Don Rowe, Clayton Rowe, Sharika, Angela Davis, Bob Johnson, the wonderful people from BECU, and the other young couple. I am so sorry I can't remember your names. Please, if you get a chance to read this, drop me a line so I can get your name added to this report. A great big hug and thank you to everyone who gave up your time to help make Christmas a little brighter for the children.
"Grampa Bill & Gramma Gail for Everyone" found themselves with the same trouble a lot of places have dealt with in the recent past.... we found ourselves short staffed. Most mornings Holly, Debbie, Bill and Gail opened the event, restocking tables, getting paperwork ready, etc. In the afternoon, several more volunteers came to loan a much needed helping hand. We really can't thank you all nearly enough!!
If you are a volunteer who signed up for next year, would you please e-mail me your name, and phone number as the volunteer list has gotten lost. bokworm234@aol.com
We want to thank....
..... our new friends from the Children's Trading Post. Sage & Sabrina are the ones we had the privilege of working with directly for their donations of baby and children's clothes, toys, shoes, Stroller's, Highchair, car seats and more.
..... Jennifer and Debbie McMillan for their donations of lots of brand-new toys and all they’re behind the scenes help.
..... The donation of toys from the GA Group
..... The Financial donation of our friend Jim from GA
..... The financial donation from my dermatologist, Tory Foss.....
The donation of toys from Martha Redford and her neighbor.... The donation of over 1,000 Teddy Bears from Bartell's Pharmacy.... The donation of hand crocheted scarfs and teddy bears from Mary Arrington... Don Rowe and his grandson, Clayton Funder sol, for the many hours they put in loading up the truck and moving the toys from the
storage units to the church, cleaning up & taking the empty bins and left over items back to the storage units.
,,,,, The time put in by Brandi, Marjorie, Cat, Nik and Lacy working on the phones making and confirming appointments.
..... To our good friend Mark Fry, for being our "go to guy" helping wherever needed, bring out the shopping carts in the morning,
helping carry things to people’s cars, rounding up carts left out in the parking lot and more.
Talking about donations, we are collecting books, toys, games, cash, etc. for this year’s give away. If you have any new or gently used items that need a new home or know of someone looking for a place to donate said items, please keep us in mind and give me a call or an e-mail so we can arrange to pick them up. bokworm234@aol.com or 253-831-7894. If I don't respond to you within 24 hours, please send again. E-mail is the BEST way to contact me. Please feel free to give our phone number out.
I am excited to report that we have gotten a lot of donations already for this year’s toy give-away. We have a small Schwinn bicycle, a pink car shaped stroller, more clothes from the Trading post, a lot of like new toy cars, a gently used tricycle to name a very few things that have been checked in so far.
We feel the event was very successful. Almost everyone seemed very pleased with the gifts they received for their children. Each child received a stuffed animal and two gifts. Parents also each received one free bag of clothing if they desired. Free meaning, they did not have to spend one of their "chips".
KEEP READING WE ARE ALMOST TO THE BOTTOM LINE:
Let me take a moment to tell you how we run the program before I give you the statistics for the eight days. The first thing that happens is we pre-register people. We scheduled them in 20-minute blocks. The person would come into the gym to check in. They would check their application and verify the information was correct and sign the disclaimer paperwork If they were a walk-in, they would fill out the walk in application and fill out their disclaimer paperwork. They would then receive an envelope with two tokens per child to "spend" however they liked. Each token equaled one gift. They then were given the opportunity to pick one free plush toy for each child. In their packet were ten free raffle tickets. They would put their name on the back of the raffle ticket and their phone number. There were several tables of raffle items. A zip lock bag was attached to each item that was to be raffled off. They could put one raffle ticket in each item they would like to have, or they could put all their tickets in one item. A copy of the rules for the raffle was in their packet. We drew the names at closing time the last day. Due to an ice storm, we extended the pickup time for the winners.
After the client was done shopping and doing the raffle, they had the option of having their items gift wrapped, free of charge. I heard a lot of laughter and talking from that area as new friends were made, and old ones reunited after a year.
Gramma Gail had a blast giving the little children who came with their parents rides on her knee on her electric wheelchair (we do not encourage the bringing of little ones unless you can't find a sitter or they are really too little to understand what is happening). Gramma Gail also has special items for "her special children who are on the spectrum" These gifts are given out in honor of her daughter Jennifer who is on the spectrum.
Grampa Bill and Gramma Gail spent seven days in the hospital, getting out the day after Thanksgiving, both on oxygen therapy. Both were suffering from influenza A. The flu caused complications to Grampa's COPD. Gramma Gail had problems with her blood pressure going too low, her A fib got out of whack and her liver dried up. The doctor asked them if they could reschedule the giveaway, we told her that would be impossible, the show had to go on. And go on it did. It was a real challenge but one we look forward to every year. We already have our next Toy Give Away dates blocked out on the church's calendar. Look for our announcement on Face book at
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087837750946
THE BOTTOM LINE
In 2020 We held the very first toy gives away from our home.
In 2021 We gave toys out to one thousand one hundred eighty-eight (1,188) children. We served three hundred and sixty-four (364) families. We set a goal to give to over 2,000 children in 2022.
We are very excited to announce:
We gave toys out to TWO THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-EIGHT (2,198) children. We served FIVE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-NINE (579) families.
NUMBER OF PRE-REGISTERED FAMILIES 465
NUMBER OF WALK-IN FAMILIES 114
TOTAL FAMILIES 579
TOTAL CHILDREN SERVED 2,198Our goal for this year is well over 2,198. Gramma Gail wants the goal to be 3,000 :-)
For those of you that have read this far, we thank you. I have been told I write too much so I do try to cut it down, without much success I admit but hey, you know what they say: Try, Try, again! never give up.
We want to wish you all a great new year. We hope to see you next year either as a client or a volunteer, or to give a donation or just to walk in and say hello!
With Much Love, We Work for You! Grampa Bill & Gramma Gail for Everyone
TRIsh'a Unique & Sports Handmade Jewelry by Trisha Rpaier
Vendors must bring their own tables.
The vendor must bring their own tables.
6 x 6 is $65 per space or two spaces for $120. The 2 for deal is per vendor. Electricity is not available for these spaces.
RENTAL TABLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR $10 EACH!
Two canopies are available for rent $15 each per canopy.
PLEASE ADD PER SPACE. Limited outdoor power outlets provided...
PLEASE READ EACH STATEMENT AND INITIAL THE LINE ON THE LEFT:
_____ Masks are currently still requested for vendors per church mandate
_____ I agree to follow the Code of Conduct. See website for code of conduct in its entirety.
_____ I agree not to hold B &G Sponsored Events and First Christian Church of Tacoma responsible for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur.
_____ B &G Sponsored Events reserves the right to restrict or remove exhibits, without refund that may be falsely entered or deemed unsuitable or objectionable.
_____ No children at the event. Well behaved young adults (13-17) permitted.
_____ There is NO SMOKING on campus. I understand I will need to go to the sidewalk if I must smoke or vape.
_____ I understand that table fees are non-refundable. If I cannot attend, I need to transfer or forfeit my space.
____ If I arrive after 9:30 a.m. my spot will be forfeited, and table fees are non-refundable.
_____ I understand that there is a $30 transfer fee if I give or sell my space. Transfer will not be confirmed until an application and transfer fee has been received by B & G Sponsored Events. Transfer must be completed five business days prior to event.
_____ B & G Sponsored Events offers a raffle at all their events. All proceeds from raffle are split
between Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and B & G Sponsored Events Annual Toy Giveaway for low-income families. Donations are not required but are appreciated.
____ Payment: Our preferred method of payment is PayPal Friends and Family. All PayPal
payments should be made to Bokworm234@aol.com Please include business name, your name, and the date of the show. If you choose to pay via “Goods and Services” please add an
additional $5.00 per space to cover PayPal fees. Checks are also accepted. There is a $40 fee for any bounced checks and you lose the benefit of using checks in the future. Your space is not confirmed until both the application and fees are received no matter which way you return your information. Cash also accepted.
____ If an act of God or some other incident should happen forcing B & G Sponsored Events to be unable to hold the event the following protocol will be followed:
1. If the problem affects only the current venue every effort will be made to find a new venue or reschedule the event at the same venue.
*This Terms and Agreement is in effect thru Dec 31,2022. A new one will be signed at the beginning of next year or until a change or addition must be made
2. If rescheduling is successful vendors shall be notified of the new date and be given the option of attending on the rescheduled date or a refund.
3. Once a vendor has decided to reschedule, they may not reschedule a reschedule.
If they find themselves unable to attend the rescheduled date their fee is forfeited.
4. If options one or two fail, then a refund of 75% per occurrence can be issued.
*I have fully read and the above statements and will abide by all rules and regulations set forth.
__ I understand that by signing this document that I agree to the terms and agreements. I have waved all rights and claims against B & G Sponsored Events and First Christian Church of Tacoma as well as any of their employees or volunteers...
Print Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:________
Company Name: _______________________________________
To be considered for a space and to keep up with future events please join our
Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BandGSponsoredEvents/
Our new website is located at: http://bngsponsoredevents.com
Please download the (Terms & Agreement Below)
Vendor parking area provided.
The Doors will be open for Vendor set up on Event day starting 8 am to 10:00 am
Vendors Please do not break down before 5:01 PM
B & G Sponsored Event owners, Bill and Gail Rocheleau, are vendors as well as coordinators. As such, they know the importance of advertising. Advertising is very high on their list of priorities when planning an event. They feel it is very important for their vendors to know what is being done to promote each event.
1.) Keeba Agency has been hired to do online advertising, podcasting, exposure on Social media, etc.
They feel that Keeba Agency has done that and much more. They have done far more than what the contract agreement covers....thanks to Mr. William Lee.
2.) B & G Sponsored events have their own podcast show. They are looking for vendors who would like to guest on their show. Please contact Bill or Gail if you are interested in being a guest. The shows are prerecorded at the event so you don't need to be concerned about falling out of bed early to participate in the program.
3. B&G Sponsored Events advertises in the Patch.com & other Pierce County newspapers.
4.) Flyers are made readily available to all vendors when their space has been confirmed in the confirmation email. It is requested that all vendors help with advertising. B & G cannot reach each individual vendor's family, friends or customers.
5.) B & G places their bright pink signs in the neighborhood Thursday before each the event. If we were To put them out any earlier invites them to grow feet and walk away.
6.) A stand up flag was purchased for the last show. More flags will be purchased as funds allow.
7.) B & G has one person who hands out flyers for each show to all of his contacts and at work.
8.) They are constantly looking for new and unique ways to advertise... The B&G podcast now on iHeart Radio!
9.) B & G, with the help of the Keeba Agency, are actively seeking more ways to publicize current happenings on Social Media.
10.) It has been expressed to B & G in the past, that a few vendors feel that it isn't their responsibility to advertise for a successful event. They are only half right. It is not the responsibility of the vendors to PAY for any advertising. Paid advertising comes from vendor fees. But it is the vendors responsibility to do free advertising to help insure success.
Vendors are encouraged to advertise on their social media platforms. The link to the Facebook event page is found in the confirmation e-mail, please, click on the link say you are going and invite your contacts. For more information contact Gail at bokworm234@aol.com or call 253-831-7894
Please note: B&G Sponsored Events are not Church events.
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during Event business hours!
PO Box 8652 Tacoma Washington 98419
B&G Office Direct Line 253-831-7894 Business hours 10 AM to 9 PM Closed Sundays...
Copyright © 2020 B&G Sponsored Events - All Rights Reserved.
Site Managed By the Keeba Agency