Immediately after the tragic November 1 fire which destroyed the Putney General Store, the Putney Craft Tour responded with a raffle, donating handcrafted prizes worth over $3K. The drawing was held Friday night at the Putney Community Supper, also hosted by the Craft Tour.
At numerous events beginning with the November RE:STORE concert, raffle organizers Carlene Raper and Dena Gartenstein collaborated with the Putney Historical Society and other area artists to sell tickets. Many town businesses, and middle school students from Putney Central supported the effort by selling tickets as well. The Guilford middle school was also involved, handling print production of tickets.
Altogether the raffle brought in $6504.51. Carlene Raper handed a check to Putney Historical Society president Stuart Strothman Friday night amid much community celebration. General Store project manager Lyssa Papazian expressed “our deep appreciation to the Craft Tour folks who really worked hard and have been so generous.”
The donation provides a significant boost during the final phase of fundraising for the store. The money will go toward a recent 2:1 matching grant of $20K from the Thomas Thompson Trust, which the Historical Society is working toward through many efforts including an upcoming concert at the former United Church of Putney on March 20.
The following people won prizes in the raffle:
Beth McKinney–owl mirror by Noriko Isogai
Wendy Redlinger–necklace by Caitlin Burch and a print by Judy Hawkins
Angela Walton–necklace by Caitlin Burch
Mark Clark–necklace by Caitlin Burch
Pete Stolman–necklace by Caitlin Burch
Travis Slade–vase by Bob Burch
Nan Dubin–glass piece by Josh Simpson
Jim Strothman–Hand-dyed patchwork by Carlene Raper
Ann Kroc–honey pot by David Mischke
Barry Stockwell–gift certificate from Major Farm
Mal Herbert–book and yarn from Putney Spinnery
Front Porch Cafe–pressed flowers by Maggie Lake and a ceramic plate by Ken Pick
Joann Chuslo–woven scarf by Dena Gartenstein
Jim Sweitzer–wrought candleholder by Ian Eddy
Kathleen Bartlett–drum by Nathaniel Hall
Cobie Bobrow–three wooden candleholders by Wendy Wilson
JD McCliment–polymer earrings and necklace by Susan Samitz
Sam Bunker–carved wooden box by Gail Grycel
Peter Muskat–stained glass by Edel Byrne
Catie Burg–Dining in Vermont–photo by Jill Noss
Garth Coombs–necklace by Jeanne Bennett