The 18th annual pansy sale, sponsored by the Holmes County Branch of the American Association of University Women, is currently underway.
According to Eleanor Runyan, a member of the Holmes County group, the pansy sale began with a suggestion from Peggy Estill, a member of the group who has since passed away. She had noticed that other organizations were selling flowers to raise money for their projects, but no one was selling pansies.
So for the past 18 years, Moores Greenhouse in Big Prairie has grown beautiful pansies for the group, which have provided pleasure to those who purchase them, as well as funds for projects that benefit Holmes County and its residents. The pansies come in assorted colors in a 12-inch market basket. Extra pansies will be available for purchase on the day of the sale, said Runyan.
The American Association of University Women is an internationally active organization founded in 1881 to advance equality for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Holmes County Branch was established in 1975.
Funds raised from the pansy sale will be used to purchase books for children age 3-5, which will be included in the Share-a-Christmas packages, said Runyan. Funds will also be used for a $500 scholarship through the Holmes County Education Foundation and to benefit Every Womans House of Wayne and Holmes Counties.
In the past, proceeds from the pansy sale have been used to support the Holmes County District Public Library, the Holmes County Salvation Army, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Every Womans House.
Orders must be placed by March 28 for pickup April 12 between 9 a.m. and noon at Holmes Fire District One in Millersburg. Cost is $10 per basket. For more information or to place an order, call Elaine Hand at 330-674-6761 or Eleanor Runyan at 330-231-1165 or email ebrunyan@gmail.com.
