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Calling All Monsignor Clarke Families! 
We Need Your Help to Make the Christmas Festival a Success!

This newsletter has all the information you need to know about what you and your family can do to make this event a success!  We can't do it without the combined efforts of ALL families!  Thank you for your assistance and generosity!

What is the Christmas Festival?  On December 4, 2016, MCS will host its annual Christmas Festival, one of our biggest fundraisers.  Local vendors and artisans sell their goods from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  Their goods are amazing and make wonderful Christmas gifts for family and friends (or yourself...because you've been good!)  In addition, the PTO holds several other fundraisers during the event - a Gift Basket Sale; a Book Fair; a Raffle of Themed Prize Packages (including two high demand "Golden Ticket" raffle items); and an Hourly Raffle of vendor-donated items.  In addition, we sell lunch, snacks and drinks in the Kitchen as well as delicious baked goods at the Bake Sale Fundraiser during the event.

Are there activities for the kids?   Yes!  The cafeteria is transformed into a kid's play area with crafts, games, a mini candy store...and most importantly, a chance to visit with Santa Claus.

What do families need to do?  All families are asked to support the festival in each of the following five ways.

      1. Donate an item for the Gift Basket Fundraiser
      2. Donate an item for the Class Themed Prize Package Raffle Fundraiser
      3. Donate an item for the Bake Sale Fundraiser
      4. Donate a food or drink item for the Kitchen Fundraiser
      5. Volunteer!!!

Donation items are being collected starting Monday, November 14th.  Please send Gift Basket items no later than Monday, November 21st, and all other items by Monday, November 28th.  More information on each of these items can be found in this newsletter.  Make sure you're on Santa's "good list" by participating in all 5 areas!

What else can I do to support the Christmas Festival?  There are many other ways you can support this great event.  

     - Send us vendors.  
     - Spread the word!  Tell your friends and family to stop by during the event.
     - Help us put together the fabulous gift baskets before the event. 
     - Send in empty baskets that can be used to create the gift baskets.

     - During the event, purchase gift basket or take a chance in a raffle.

     - Stop by the Book Fair and purchase some books to read over Christmas vacation!

     - Bring the family for a fun day!  

Gift Basket Items

Each student is asked to send in an item that can be used to create gift baskets which will be sold at the eventClick here for a list of categories by grade.

With your generous donations, the PTO assembles beautiful gift baskets that sell out quickly!  Please send your items beginning November 14th but no later than November 21st so that we have enough time to create the baskets.

Do you have a creative flair?  Come help us put baskets together in the evenings leading up to the event.  For more information, see the volunteer signup or email [email protected].

Looking for a great gift? Consider buying one of these fabulous baskets when you visit the Christmas Festival. 

Have extra baskets at home?  Please send them in too!  We need baskets of all sizes for assembly.  
Class Themed Raffle Items

Each student is asked to send in an item that can be used to create high demand themed prize packages.  Festival patrons will buy raffle tickets for a chance to win one of these packages.  Parents are encouraged to coordinate their purchases to make an irresistible collaboration.  Click here for a list of themes by grade. 

Please send your items beginning  November 14th but no later than November 28th.


 For all gift basket and class themed package items:  We are looking for new items only that can be themed into a high demand raffle package or a basket that will ‘fly off the shelf’.  Please send in items that will “wow” festival patrons!
 
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Bake Sale

Each family is asked to donate one baked item for the bake sale table.  Please drop off your item to the MCS gym  (individually wrapped and ready to sell) between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, December 3rd.
Kitchen and Candy Store

All that shopping works up an appetite!  We will sell lunch, snacks and drinks during the event.  All of the items are donated by families and local restaurants.  We need families to help us by supplying drinks, snacks and items for the candy store.  Click here for a l ist of categories by grade.

Please send your items beginning  November 14th but no later than November 28th. 
Calling All Vendors

Do you know someone who may be interested in selling their goods at the MCS Christmas Festival?   Many "prime" spots are still available.  Space rental fees vary from $30 to $75 depending on location.  Table rentals are available if needed for an additional $15. Click here for Vendor Flyer.     Please share this information with anyone who may be interested and help make this year's event another success!
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Winter Book Fair

The Winter Book Fair will be held November 28th through December 4th.  Hours will be published as it approaches.   We will need assistance to set-up, staff and close down the Book Fair.  Volunteer opportunities will be posted shortly.  

Can't make to the Book Fair?  We will have an online store for families and friends to buy the books on our children's wish lists.  Details to follow shortly.
Please Give Your Time To Make This Event a Success!

We are asking all parents to volunteer at least two hours during this event.  There will be many opportunities to help!  

11/23:  Help set up the Winter Book Fair
11/28-12/4:  Staff the Winter Book Fair Store
11/21 - 12/1:  Assist with gift basket assembly
12/2:  Event set-up will begin immediately after school (after school care fee waived for parents who volunteer)
12/3:  Staff the Bake Sale drop off table
12/4:  Volunteer between 6:30am and 5:00pm for various roles setting up, staffing and cleaning up following this event.

An online volunteer sign up sheet will be sent shortly. 
For more information about the Christmas Festival or to rent a vendor space, please email  [email protected].  
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Website  | Phone:  (401) 789-0860  | Email:   [email protected]