Grand Junction residents gathered for the 10th anniversary of the She Has A Name craft fair, a bustling event that started small but now fills multiple rooms to raise funds for girls in Kenya. This year’s fair, held on December 5 and 6, 2025, at the Heart of Grand Junction, draws local vendors and shoppers to support education and basic needs for young women abroad.
Event Draws Crowds for a Good Cause
The craft fair kicked off with high energy on Friday, featuring handmade goods from jewelry to quilts. Organizers reported strong turnout, with shoppers eager to buy unique items while knowing their purchases help a vital mission.
By Saturday morning, the event had already raised thousands, building on last year’s success of about 18,000 dollars. Visitors browsed booths in a festive atmosphere, complete with holiday decor and community spirit.
Local leaders praised the fair for blending holiday shopping with global impact. One attendee shared how the event feels like a tradition that grows stronger each year.
Roots in Community and Quilting
The fair began a decade ago from a church quilting group. Women who met weekly to sew decided to sell their creations to fund a new nonprofit focused on Kenyan girls.
Zach King, the executive director, explained how that simple idea expanded. What started with a few tables now spans multiple rooms at the venue on North 4th Street and Hill Avenue.
Over the years, the event has adapted to include more vendors. This growth reflects rising interest in supporting international causes from western Colorado.
King noted that the fair’s success comes from dedicated volunteers and repeat visitors. Many return annually, drawn by the mix of local crafts and meaningful purpose.
Recent community events in Grand Junction, like holiday light tours and charity runs, show a trend toward festive fundraisers. This craft fair fits right in, boosting local morale during the winter season.
Supporting Education and Lives in Kenya
Funds from the fair go directly to She Has A Name’s program, which supports 10 girls with full living expenses. This includes schooling, housing, food, clothing, health care, and transportation.
The nonprofit aims for long-term impact, helping girls complete education and build stable futures. Each girl costs about 6,000 dollars per year to support, making every donation count.
In Kenya, access to education remains a challenge for many girls due to poverty and lack of resources. Recent reports from global aid groups highlight how programs like this reduce dropout rates and empower young women.
- School fees and supplies to keep girls in class.
- Safe housing away from unstable home situations.
- Health insurance for medical needs.
- Daily meals and clothing for basic well-being.
- Transportation to ensure reliable access to education.
Organizers hope to match or exceed last year’s total, allowing them to maintain or expand the program. With rising costs worldwide, such support is more crucial than ever.
Voices from Vendors and Participants
Vendors play a key role, paying booth fees that benefit them while the nonprofit’s sales go fully to Kenya. One caseworker who visits the girls shared stories of their progress, inspiring shoppers.
Taniall Scroggins, a vendor and program worker, emphasized the fair’s global reach. She travels to Kenya and sees firsthand how funds change lives, from buying books to providing meals.
Shoppers echoed this sentiment, saying the event feels rewarding. One local artist mentioned how participating boosts her business and connects her to a larger cause.
Community feedback on social media shows excitement, with posts praising the fair’s growth and impact. Similar events in nearby areas, like craft markets in the Grand Valley, highlight a regional love for handmade goods tied to charity.
Looking Ahead to Future Impact
As the fair wraps up its 10th year, organizers eye expansion. They plan to add more vendors and perhaps online options to reach beyond Grand Junction.
This aligns with broader trends in nonprofit fundraising, where events combine fun with philanthropy. In 2025, global aid for education in Africa has seen increased focus, with initiatives like sanitary product drives addressing barriers for girls.
The following table outlines key milestones in the fair’s history:
| Year | Key Achievement | Funds Raised (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | First event with quilting group | 2,000 dollars |
| 2020 | Expanded to multi-room setup | 10,000 dollars |
| 2024 | Record attendance | 18,000 dollars |
| 2025 | 10th anniversary celebration | Goal: 18,000+ dollars |
These figures show steady growth, driven by community support. Looking forward, the nonprofit aims to sponsor more girls as donations increase.
What do you think about this inspiring event? Share your thoughts in the comments or spread the word to friends who love craft fairs and good causes.
