The Kettering Noon Optimists have been hosting THE MARKET at Town & Country on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 11am-4pm since 2017.
When the mall did their remodel they committed to use the breezeway space to support community and civic activities. Pam Cochran was the Property Manager at the time and was also a Kettering Noon Optimist member. Unfortunately Pam is no longer with us but her spirit to support the community and children of the area is still alive.
The Market features local small businesses such as Susan with Got Cakes, Christine with Red Lotus Essence and Kelly with Au Faux Me. There are also crafters such as Anthea with Chalk Couture decor and Sharell with Purple Mane. Direct sales vendors include Jennifer with Paper Pie, Carol with Tastefully Simple, Chery with Color Street Nails, Carrie with Thirty One, Janell with Origami Owl, Tammy with Mary Kay, Robyn with Norwex and Laura with Mary and Martha.
Every month We Care Arts is a vendor at no cost to them. Some months we have additional charities such as the Kettering Backpack Program, Goodworks Farm and Diaper Depot. According to Barbara Farris, the Immediate Past President of the club, “The Market is one of biggest fundraisers for the Optimist Club and we are grateful that Town & Country does not charge us to use their location. This allows us to keep vendor fees on the same level that churches and schools use.”
Farris shared that some of the activities of KNO uses the funds raised through The Market are scholarships, an essay and Oratorical contest, providing shoes for all Kindergarten students at Beavertown Elementary, sweat pants/shirts, socks and underwear to all the nurses in Kettering Elementary schools, supporting Crayons to Classroom and Kettering Back Pack.
