Cornelia Elementary's Craft Bazaar Does Double Duty

Editor's Note: The following is part of a press release from Edina Public Schools.

Edina pride and holiday spirit was shining bright in the halls of Cornelia Elementary on Tuesday as fifth grade students held their 32^nd annual Craft Bazaar, raising $3,871 for Feed My Starving Children.  From pillowcases to pet rocks, and from duct tape art to snow globes, students produced original craft projects to make and sell for the event.

“The creativity is amazing,” said Cornelia parent, Debra Abegbenro.  

According to Abegbenro, students were charged with coming up with an idea for their project and then had it approved by their teacher.  Students worked on the handcrafted goods on their own time up until the day before the event. After establishing a price for their projects, ranging from 50 cents to four dollars, they opened the doors to the Craft Bazaar at which they welcomed fellow students, parents and community members. The event provided an opportunity for students to practice their entrepreneurial and money management skills, all for a good cause.

“I think some of the students have a future in business,” noted Cornelia tutor, Bob Palmehn, who has attended the event for the past nine years.

With an average price of two dollars per item, Cornelia fifth graders sold over 1,900 items to earn $3,871, which they then donated to a local charity. This year the students elected to contribute their earnings to Feed My Starving Children.

“The annual Craft Bazaar is a great community building event,” said Chris Holden, Cornelia Principal. “It provides the opportunity for fifth grade students to not only create and market their own product, but to also give back to a charity of their choosing.” for the event.