Annual holiday bazaar raises $3K for Brilliant Star

Brilliant Star School’s 7th Annual Holiday Bazaar raised a total of $3,000 that will be used to provide tuition assistance to qualifying families and to improve the school’s playground.

School principal Richard Sikkel said the annual event, held all day on Dec. 4 at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center, had an “amazing turnout,” with the venue “filled to capacity with standing-room-only for the audience enjoying the many performances.”

Performers included DoReMi, Saipan Music and Dance, tai-chi by Mei Demapan and Kevin Wang, Glushko’s Academy, JJRockstroh, Nate van Ee, Angel’s International School of Dance, Keynotes School of Music, Manta Ray Band, and Li’l Hands.

The performers, Sikkel said, “drew quite a crowd who in turn managed to do some early holiday shopping with many local vendors and artists.”

Vendors at the bazaar included Joe Weaver, Jack Hardy, Joe Kani, Greg Elliott, Finatimas Animas’ Martin Castro, Island Jewelry’s Jill Vanderkin, Anahata Healing’s Kim Peterson, leaf paintings by Ernie David, Monika’s Gallery, Jams by Ayorata’s D.C. Revilla, Leyah’s Crafts by Tokie Mojica, Saipan Southern High School’s Ceramics class, Kate Fuller’s Fusion Design, Flower Pot Creations, Star Jewelry, Apple Coffee Shop, and Capitol Discount Mart.

Sikkel said all vendors donated items, in addition to products donated by various local businesses for the bazaar’s raffle.

School parents also stepped it up this year with the food sales, providing an array of healthy food choices that drew a lot of positive feedback.

“The fact that Brilliant Star managed to have such a successful event during a tough economic time is a testament to the hard work of our parents and volunteers and the unique concept of this one-of-a-kind event for Saipan,” Sikkel told Saipan Tribune.

Bazaar sponsors included Saipan Grand Hotel, Marianas Coffee, IT&E, Pacific Islands Club, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Marianas Resort & Spa, Shenanigans, Tropical Blends Spa & Salon, DFS, Saipan Sunset Cruise, Morning Glory, Yoga Waves, Saipan Water & Ice, Rep. Ray Tebuteb, JC Marketing Corp., Micronesian Brokers, Multi-Purpose Center, Commonwealth Election Commission, Martha’s Store, Nuat Thai Massage, Hyatt Regency Saipan, and Deep Sea Submarine.