Home-based businesses share products

By Ashley A. Smith
Marshfield News-Herald

Madison Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization is closer to having the money to build a playground that would be handicapped-accessible.

The Madison PTO's Home-Based Business and Craft Fair on Saturday at the school will raise money for the playground equipment, estimated at $36,000, said Elizabeth Giles, Madison PTO president.

"We're looking to get handicap swings and other functional equipment they can use," Giles said.

Giles said it'll also involve the larger Marshfield community.

"If we get the handicap swings, even parents who don't have children at Madison could use them," Giles said.

Since 2006, when the new Madison school opened, the PTO has been fundraising to get the playground equipment. But Saturday's event also was a way to showcase the crafts and home businesses of local women.

Giles, who also has her own home-based craft business through rubber stamp company Stampin' Up!, said the PTO was interested in doing a fundraiser that was more than just bake or pizza sales.

"This is the only craft show I do, and I wanted to help out," said Mary Nugent of Marshfield, owner of Meyer & Nugent Crafts. "This year was a lot better than last year and had a lot more traffic."

It was a good way for Alora Rueth of Loyal, to also promote her home-based business, Creative Connections & Essentials.

Rueth works with Send Out Cards, which lets people create greeting cards over the Internet and physically mail them using their computer.

"It's been good being here," Rueth said. "I'm getting a lot of good response and have someone who's interested in setting it up for their business."

Krisan Williams, 46, of Marshfield said besides scrapbooking, being at the fair was a good way to support local businesses and the economy.

Although the PTO isn't sure how much money it raised, it received a $200 donation from Associated Bank and $1,000 from the vendors at the fair, Giles said. The organization still is accepting donations for the playground.