Harwood Heights resident Charmaine Cabrera is preparing for Pennoyer School’s Holiday Boutique event, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at 5200 N. Cumberland Ave., Norridge. Admission will cost $2.
Q: How long have you lived in Harwood Heights?
A: I moved to Harwood Heights in November of 2010. I love my neighborhood and the friends I have made and the memories I have made with my kids here in the community.
Q: How long have you been involved in the Pennoyer School Holiday Boutique event?
A: I came up with the idea in 2014. I used to sell Pampered Chef, and my girlfriend and I used to host small vendor shows with about seven to 10 vendors at my girlfriend’s house or in my little house. I thought if I could plan small vendor show events, perhaps I could plan another vendor event … just on much bigger scale than what I was used to. It’s a good way for Pennoyer School to raise money to help off set the cost of school events that our kids look forward to, such as our annual Halloween party, Santa’s Winter Workshop, father and daughter dance, mother and son dance, pizza lunch and much more. It also puts money toward our kids’ educational needs, such as technology, books and school supplies. I thought it would be a great event for the community to come together, support Pennoyer school and have fun.
Q: What’s the best reason someone should come to the event?
A: People should come to this event because it’s a good way to bring the community together. It’s fun to shop with family and friends. And most importantly, we are supporting Pennoyer School. … You can also purchase quality handcrafted items, such as knitted blankets, scarves, homemade soaps and bath salts, candles, decor and handmade jewelry and you’re supporting small, family-owned businesses. You are helping business owners earn money, buy groceries, raise their kids just like many of us. It takes a lot of people to plan such an event. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my partner in planning this event, Mallory Lee, the PTC moms, especially Adriana Milano, who is always there to guide us in the right direction!
Q: What’s the best part of the holiday season?
A: The best part of the holiday season is being with family and friends and spending quality time together. Making memories!
Q: What type of vendors and crafts will be available?
A: We have over 40 vendors attending our event this year, and the list is still growing. You will be able to purchase quality products such as Rodan & Fields, Mary Kay, Avon, Tastefully Simple, Origami Owl, Usborne Books, Tupperware, Health and Wellness just to name a few.
Q: Do you have any holiday traditions that you and your family participate in?
A: Our family tradition is being together and enjoying each other’s company, appreciating and spending quality time together. We relax and play with all our new toys we got for Christmas. It’s a fun, relaxing day for us!
Q: Have you traveled a lot? What are some interesting places you’ve been, and where would you like to visit?
A: Growing up, I lived overseas in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and I was very fortunate as a child to have the opportunity to travel all over the world and go to elementary and middle school in Saudia Arabia and high school in Salzburg, Austria. One place I have not been to is India. It’s a country that has always intrigued me, and I would love to experience all the different cultures there.
Karen Medina is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
