Long before Countryside had a gym, the Holiday Bazaar began in what is now our dining room—a small space filled with wrapping paper, and the gentle hum of children choosing the perfect gift for someone they love.

The idea came from Annette and Frank, whose vision for the Bazaar was simple yet profound: to help children experience the joy of giving without expectation. The event wasn’t about the presents parents received—or even wanted—it was about helping children understand what it means to give from the heart.

Every gift was chosen through thoughtfulness and imagination. There were no wish lists, no “must- haves,” just small hands and big hearts deciding what might bring joy to a parent, a sibling, or a friend.

Today, the Holiday Bazaar continues much as it began, supported by generous parent volunteers and a community that believes in nurturing kindness and gratitude. So many of the children who once wandered those tables in the dining hall are now adults, and they still remember the feeling of pride that came from finding just the right gift all on their own.

Annette and Frank’s vision lives on—reminding us each year that the greatest gift we can give our children is the understanding that giving, in itself, is enough.