Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) will transform into a holiday shopping destination with its 16th Annual Holiday Bazaar on Thursday, Nov. 21, and Friday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Each year, the Holiday Bazaar offers peninsula residents the opportunity to support local artists and craftsmen while giving back to the community. “We work hard to bring new artisans and fresh, unique items each year, ensuring a wonderful experience for all who come to shop,” says Jim Childers, Manager of Volunteer & Community Services at CPH. “It’s a great way for people to find meaningful, handmade gifts while supporting a cause that benefits the entire community.”
Proceeds from the Holiday Bazaar directly support the CPH Volunteer Scholarship Fund. Twenty percent of all sales go toward scholarships awarded annually to local students pursuing careers in the medical field, as well as to hospital employees furthering their education. “They could go into any medical field, and they’re eligible for it, and it’s for we give 2 away each year to two local seniors,” Childers explains.
In 2023 alone, the CPH Volunteer Scholarship Program awarded $4,000 to two students from the Kenai Peninsula. With the continued success of the Holiday Bazaar, the program hopes to expand its support for the community’s aspiring healthcare professionals and help build a strong future for local healthcare.
Childers says the event is largely run by volunteers, many of whom are long-time residents of the peninsula. “Not only will you see volunteers saying hello, how are you, and welcome, but you’ll see faces that you’re familiar with because we have many volunteers who have been here on the peninsula for 60, 70 years. We have homesteaders here who are volunteering now that they’re retired.”
This community favorite will be held in the hospital’s Denali Room, just downstairs from the main entrance. It promises a unique selection of locally crafted gifts perfect for the holiday season.