In spite of the limitations, we sold everything, thus replenishing the IWCB charity fund and making a difference, says Fenty Saraswaty, the spouse of Indonesian Ambassador. (source: Fenty Saraswaty)
As we near this year’s IWCB Charity Christmas Bazaar, I reflect on the challenges and triumphs of last year’s event. After a three-year pandemic hiatus, the bazaar returned with limitations, but our collective dedication made it a success. Here’s a glimpse of the journey and what drives us forward.
Approaching the season of giving and drawing closer to the IWCB Charity Christmas Bazaar, I can’t help but reminisce about last year’s event.
Serving as the 2023 Christmas Bazaar Coordinator, I faced quite a challenge. We returned to host the bazaar after a three-year hiatus, without being able to serve food and beverages. This was one of the most significant restrictions for us, because the delectable delicacies were typically the heart of our event. Such prerequisite led to some unfulfilled expectations and disappointment from visitors, many of whom fondly remembered the previous years of vibrant food and drinks. Some even requested refunds for their entrance fees. In response, we have made extra effort to ensure the return of culinary festivities for the 2024 Christmas Bazaar.
Nevertheless, despite a few setbacks, our determination and teamwork turned the bazaar 2023 into a successful and profitable occasion.
This success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of embassies, sponsors, and our active members, like Fenty Saraswaty, the spouse of Indonesian Ambassador.
When I asked Fenty what inspired her, she fondly recalled: “It simply fills my heart. I love the charitable nature of this IWCB signature event. It comes natural to me to help-out in any capacity I can. I also love promoting my country and its culture to the Slovak people. It’s all about connecting. I was cheering for the whole bazaar team last year because the situation was not easy. We had to deal with expectations of many and also letting some of our guests down, when there was no cooked food to sell. Our Indonesian table was always lively and busy. In spite of the limitations, we sold everything, thus replenishing the IWCB charity fund and making a difference. I’m very happy to be a part of this event again.”
With such spirit, we look forward to this year’s bazaar with renewed hope and excitement, under the committed leadership of this year’s bazaar coordinator, Kaja Frecerova.
The Christmas Bazaar will take place on Saturday Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Stará Tržnica (Námestie SNP 484/25, Bratislava, Staré Mesto) from 10:00 to 16:00.
Eva Staronova is a founder of a non-profit cultural and educational exchange organization in New York, NY, and an entrepreneur in the natural product industry with her company based in Los Angeles, CA. She is also a board member and Fundraising Coordinator of the International Women’s Club of Bratislava.
