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Date: 11/23/2021
GRANBY – When you think of gift baskets, what comes to mind? Is it beautiful wicker baskets filled with fruit, crackers, maybe some cheese, and wine? Well, this isn't the case for the creative assortment of baskets available during The Granby Preservation Society’s Festival of Baskets raffle this year – they have brought gift baskets to a whole new level.
According to Dulce Gendreau, co-chair of the festival, the Preservation Society usually hosts a festival of trees, but because of COVID-19, they couldn’t have people go into the building. Last year they decided to do the basket raffle instead, and due to its success, they decided to host it for a second year.
With a total of 62 baskets, there is something for everyone at any age, ranging from baskets filled with assorted chocolates to one filled with items specifically for car care – there are even some for furry friends.
With a wide variety to choose from, Gendreau said that there is one stand-out basket, donated by the family of former member Michael Moran, who passed away from COVID-19 this past March. She stated Moran was an “outstanding human being” and did so many things for the community, such as supporting local childrens’ sports teams. In addition, he “loved kids and the outdoors,” she said. Because of this, his family created a basket filled with outdoor lawn game items. Furthermore, because he loved Christmas and was a large part of the Preservation Society, his family wanted to continue his spirit of giving by donating this basket.
All baskets are donated by individual, family and business sponsors, and many baskets are in memory of loved ones. Gendreau stated that the money raised would go toward the installation of a new handicapped bathroom at the Kellogg Hall.
To view the baskets, interested parties can visit their website for a slide show or click on the YouTube link also available on their website to watch a video of them. If attending in person, there will be a book available for making selections.
According to the website, selections can be made online or in-person at 250 State St. Granby for the remaining weekends Nov. 20 and 21, Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 4 and 5 between 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. The Preservation Society asks that individuals make their selection by Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. “so your tickets can be placed in the cans by the elves for drawing on Dec. 5 after 6 p.m.”
Individuals can make as many selections as they want and put as many tickets toward one particular basket as they like. Raffle tickets are $5 for six and $10 for 12 tickets. Winners will be notified by phone, email or text to collect their winnings.
The Granby Preservation Society is located in the Kellogg Hall building at 250 State St. Granby. For more information about the event and to participate in the online raffle, their website is https://www.granbypreservationsociety.org/ Should there be any questions, email or text Gendreau at dcgendreau@gmail.com or 218-1801. The Granby Preservation Society can also be reached at 255-0712.