By Justin Creech
Staff writer
Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Fort Belvoir Officers’ Spouses’ Club invites everyone to attend one of its largest fund raising charitable events, the annual Craft Boutique and Family Fun Fest, Saturday at the George Mason University Field House, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With nearly 100 vendors displaying jewelry, holiday items and clothing, and demonstrations from the Sky Eagle Taekwondo team and the Robinson Secondary school guitar ensemble, the fest has something to interest everyone.

“It is our largest public fundraiser of the year,” said Carla Olivo, fundrasing chair. “The proceeds go to our scholarship fund for military kids and spouses, and our welfare program.”

Vendors will also have knitted items and hand crafted wood pieces, plus the Woodson High School Theatre Department will perform, as will an Irish dance team.

Admission is $8 for Families and $3 for individuals. Children younger than age 10 get in free.

“Teachers get in free, as do spouses of deployed BOSC members,” said Molly Pavek, BOSC Publicity Chair.

Last year’s event raised nearly $15,000 that the club was able to put towards its scholarship program and charities of its choice.

Last year the club bought rocking chairs for the new Fisher House at Fort Belvoir, donated $3,000 to the Warrior Cry Music project and Operation Hug a Hero.

This year, the club is doing a monthly donation to a charity of its choosing.

“We haven’t done any yet because we haven’t raised any money,” said Olivo. “But, we want to do welfare grants every couple of months after we get through the craft fair.”

This is the second year the craft boutique has been hosted at the GMU Field House. The Officers’ Spouses’ Club moved the event to GMU last year and got a good turnout, as nearly 600 people came to the event. The club is hoping to double that number this year, according to Olivo.

“We moved it off post to make it more accessible to civilians,” said Olivo. “Most civilians don’t realize they can come onto Fort Belvoir, so we were having trouble getting the attendance we wanted. People talk a lot about wanting to support the military and this is one way they can.”

The Fun Fest portion of the event will also include the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office doing free ID checks and fingerprinting for children, and a chance to meet with Santa Clause from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for anyone who wants to tell the ‘Jolly Old Elf’ what they want for Christmas.

“Anybody can talk to him,” said Olivo. “People are free to take photos and he’ll be handing out candy canes. He’ll have people sit on his lap and listen to what they want for Christmas.”

There will also be a Salute to Heroes table for children and adults who want to make a card to send to a deployed or wounded servicemember.

The Salute to Heroes table was at the Fest last year and according to Olivo was very popular among attendees.

“They can draw a card or write a note,” said Olivo. “Adults can send a message, as well. Last year, one of our member’s husbands was deployed, so we mailed him the cards and he dispersed them in Afghanistan.”

The Fest is a good opportunity for Families to spend time together and do some shopping according to Pavek.

“It’s a Family event or a chance for some holiday shopping if that’s what the person chooses to do,” said Pavek. “Guests can make the event whatever they want it to be.”