The First Baptist Church of Gainesville will host its annual Emporium this Friday and Saturday in their banquet hall.
On Friday, shopping for a cause will run from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and on Saturday it will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We're hoping that there's a lot of pent-up demand for in-person shopping after you know that two-year COVID hiatus,” Amy Lawson, the vendor chair for the Emporium said.
Lawson said this year they have 72 spaces for vendors. They will be selling a wide range of items such as educational books, houseware, unique food items and more.
“A lot of these vendors are like family to a lot of us. We've actually had vendors who have been with us for years and loved us so much that they've joined the church,” Lawson said.
This year the proceeds will go to the nonprofit Angel House, a long-term recovery residence for women with substance use disorders. Each year a different nonprofit is chosen. The Emporium has supported nonprofits such as Gateway, My Sister’s Place and Rahab’s Rope.
Emporium- Shopping for a cause is an annual event that was started 15 years ago by the women of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville. It is held on the fourth weekend in September. Tickets are $5 a person and are available online or at the door.
