In the past two years, St. Brigid school has generated nearly $20,000 selling handmade bracelets in a simple, yet very effective fundraiser. Barbara Jerome, longtime St. Brigid parent and volunteer, is the creator and manager of this fruitful enterprise.
“The idea was inspired by my sister, Eileen,” Mrs. Jerome relates, explaining how her sister brought a bracelet with her when visiting Maine three years ago. “Eileen researched the supplies needed and the construction technique via the internet.” Before long, she had learned how to make the bracelets and found the activity enjoyable. “It was relaxing for me—like knitting is for a lot of people.”
The idea to sell the bracelets as a fundraiser was born when she gave one of the bracelets to a St. Brigid staff member as a thank you gift. Mrs. Jerome makes each bracelet herself. “I don’t like to sit still,” she says, “so having something like this to do works great for me!”
Initially, the jewelry was offered for sale directly from the school office, but as the project built momentum Mrs. Jerome wanted to expand the base of potential customers. She began forming relationships with local shops that would not only increase the money earned but also forge valuable school-community partnerships.
“Collette Warner is the owner at Rapid River Boutique in Freeport and she bought a supply of the bracelets the day I stopped by to show them to her,” she recalls. “With that success, I then went to Bliss Boutique in the Old Port and showed the bracelets to Michelle Marchesi, who was equally enthusiastic and supportive.”
The shop owners also helped refine the design of the bracelets, working with Mrs. Jerome to improve and diversify the offerings. Even the store supplying bracelet materials helped out. “The people at Caravan Beads on Forest Avenue in Portland also played a big part in helping the project to be successful,” she adds. “They taught me about tweaks to be made to make the bracelets better.”
For Mrs. Jerome, this community connection has been a major benefit of the fundraiser.
“It’s really heartwarming to see how the people of our community—both St. Brigid, and the larger Greater Portland community—will support their own.”
St. Brigid School would like to extend our gratitude to Mrs. Jerome for this wonderful project. Thank you for your generosity and support of our school community!
To get more information about purchasing a bracelet, contact the school or visit Rapid River Boutique or Bliss Boutique.
