For the second year in a row, the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Auxiliary has canceled an in-person Marketplace event in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Marketplace is an annual holiday shopping event that raises funds for Safe Kids Northeast Georgia, an organization that keeps children and teenagers in the community safe by providing education - such as suicide prevention programs - and providing safety equipment like helmets, car seats, life jackets and more.
"While we were all eager to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Marketplace, we know canceling the event was the right decision to make for the health of our community and our frontline workers,” said Marketplace tri-chair Natalie Challen in an email statement. “We are immensely grateful to all the local merchants and those from across the Southeast who committed to participating, and we hope to see them next year.”
Marketplace had been scheduled for November 4-6, 2021 at the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Technical College.
“Marketplace is a treasured holiday tradition that we all look forward to each year,” said Katie Crumley, incoming NGHS Auxiliary president. “While we are disappointed to cancel Marketplace again, we look forward to returning to more normalcy in the future and appreciate all our community is doing to support NGHS and our healthcare heroes. The safety of our children is especially important during times like these, and we are grateful to all sponsors for their support of Safe Kids Northeast Georgia. We’d like to give a special thanks to presenting sponsor Willis Investment Council for supporting Marketplace for the 13th consecutive year.”
“Generous support from individuals and corporations gives NGHS the edge of excellence it is known for, and we are called upon to continue this financial support that benefits every family in our community,” said Bob Willis, chief investment officer and CEO for Willis Investment Counsel. “It is simply the right thing to do.”
The community can still donate to SafeKids. Follow this link to find out how.
