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KINGSTON — For one lovely December day, the Candy’s Place office on Welles Street was transformed into the North Pole.
The cancer and wellness center in Kingston held its first-ever artisan craft fair, basket raffle and silent auction on Saturday afternoon.
The hallways were lined with vendors and shoppers looking to snag some early Christmas gifts at a low price. The majority of the vendors were selling crafts and homemade items, things like antique textile patterns, glasses and stemware and jewelry.
Janet Yatassaye has a niece who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Yatassaye holds a special place in her heart for Candy’s Place, which provided her niece with exceptional care and support.
“I thought this would be an opportunity to give a little back to Candy’s Place for the wonderful treatment my niece received,” said Yatassaye. “Plus, I live around the corner, so that made it even easier.”
Yatassaye came to Candy’s Place to sell her homemade textile patterns. She’s been a sewer since she was 3 years old.
“I’ve always had a needle and thread in my hand, and absolutely love colors,” Yatassaye said.
Candy’s Place has been in business since 1998, and was founded in honor of Candice “Candy” Vincent-Mamary. Vincent-Mamary was diagnosed with end-stage lung cancer.
“Candy didn’t want that to be her imprint on life, so her sister Penny started Candy’s Place in her honor,” said Lisa Orlandini, a volunteer at Candy’s Place.
Orlandini had a big hand in making sure that Saturday’s craft fair ran smoothly, organizing the raffle and the auction, and making sure the many kids who came with their parents had plenty to do in order to keep busy.
“It allows our clients and their families, especially the ones with children and grandchildren, to spend time with their families,” Orlandini said.
The event was highlighted by an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus, handing out candy canes and taking pictures with everyone.
“Santa and Mrs. Claus have brought great cheer today,” Orlandini said.
All of the donations received go toward making sure that Candy’s Place, a center that offers free services for cancer patients and their caregivers, has the proper funding in order to stay in business.