Anderson Animal Shelter’s Annual Jewelry Faire has a tradition of bringing together people with a soft spot in their hearts for animals and a love of jewelry. No one knows this better than volunteers Kathleen Graff and Cindy Weinberg, who founded the faire more than eight years ago.

Both women are passionate about animal welfare. And both women, with many other volunteers, have worked tirelessly over the years to obtain thousands of pieces of donated jewelry from local jewelers and community members.

All proceeds support the shelter’s mission of providing stray and unwanted companion animals with food, veterinary care, shelter, and ultimately loving “forever homes.”

So far, the faire has raised more than $100,000. It features new, old, estate, fine, handmade and costume jewelry, and even “gently used” designer handbags.

“Stop by the faire, and you will see moms, daughters, sisters, girlfriends, and even some men browsing the jewelry,” an Anderson Animal Shelter press release says.

Artists frequent the faire for well-priced jewelry “bag lots” to repurpose into new creations. Volunteers and attendees chat about their favorite cat or dog.

Diana Keys, a long-time supporter, said she loves the faire.

“A few years ago, a friend told me about the Anderson Animal Shelter Jewelry Faire. I thought the event might be a good fit for me. I love animals and jewelry and had jewelry I was no longer wearing. What a way to clear the jewelry box and benefit animals!” she said. “Four years ago, I began donating handbags and jewelry to the faire. I did not attend the faire, thinking, if I was donating jewelry, I certainly didn’t need to purchase more.

“Two years ago, after hearing about the quality and quantity of jewelry, I went to the faire. It was amazing — high-end pieces, quality costume jewelry and pieces that are just fun … You can be sure I’ll be attending again this year.”

Cris Johnson, who owns Laughing Cat Antiques Shop in Genoa, also loves coming to the faire.

“I have attended the Jewelry Faire for several years, and just love the selection of fine jewelry as well as the fantastic and fun vintage and costume jewelry. I am a jewelry collector as well as a dealer of costume jewelry for over 40 years. As a dealer I really appreciate the reasonable prices of the jewelry offered at the faire.

“Of course, knowing the money is going to help the Anderson Animal Shelter is the best part,” Johnson said. “I have also volunteered to help behind the counter several times. Working with the other volunteers was enjoyable as they are a great team of animal and jewelry lovers, a purr-fect combination.”

If you’d like to support the shelter’s many companion animals, you can donate jewelry or “gently used” designer handbags (being accepted through August) and visit the faire in September.

All donations should be placed in a sealed envelope or package addressed to “Jewelry Faire Committee” and dropped off at the Shelter at 1000 La Fox Road, S. Elgin. You can also email the committee at jewelryfaire@andersonanimalshelter.org for special arrangements.

The faire once again takes place noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Sept. 7, at the American Legion, 22 S. Second St., Geneva. The suggested donation is $5. For the best selection, there is a special “Preview Event” Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. The suggested “preview” entrance fee is a $10 donation.

SOURCE: Anderson Animal Shelter