The generous heart of Marjean Gries still beats in many Perry breasts as Thursday night’s fundraiser at Betsy Peterson Designs proved.
Peterson’s gallery at 1121 Second St. in downtown Perry was the venue for the First Look event in support of the Marjean Gries Memorial Perry Children’s Christmas Fund.
Visitors snacked on sweets while sneaking peeks at the latest seasonal designs from the Peterson studio. Several Peterson originals were raffled off, and 10 percent of all sales went toward supporting needy Perry-area children in honor of Gries, who taught physical education in the Perry school system for 34 years.
Gries’ son, Casey Baldwin, and his wife, Kelly Baldwin, were on hand to share the love with the Perry community, who numbered well over 100 at the two-hour event. Winetasting and live music also raised holiday spirits.
Shoppers who missed the First Look event can still attend Betsy Peterson Designs’ Holiday Open House Friday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 18 from 1-4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 23 will bring Peterson’s First Look Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with new holiday items on display in the gallery. The First Look Friday is timed to coincide with the annual Lighted Christmas Parade at 7 p.m.
