22 Oct 2011 Celebrating a decade of Dazzle Daze

by Sonja J. Keith

For more information on Dazzle Daze, including the schedule of events and a complete list  of merchants, please visit dazzledaze.com.

Debbie Clark and Jayme Jeane are planning a festive holiday occasion that has been 10 years in the works – the anniversary celebration of Dazzle Daze.

As members of the organizing group – the Conway Regional Women’s Council – since it began 10 years ago, they have an understanding of how the event has changed and developed over the years and an appreciation for the $240,000 that has been raised to help ensure local healthcare needs are met.

EARLY DAYS

Familiar with similar groups in other cities, Debbie remembers when the women’s council was created in Conway and realized the support it could provide. She was also interested in the educational component among the group’s objectives. “I thought it was kind of exciting. I thought it was a good idea and Conway as a growing community could benefit from it,” she said. “It’s come a long way.”

Jayme, too, has been a member of the council since its inception. In addition to Dazzle Daze, she has been involved in some of the council’s other activities, including the quarterly luncheons, which feature an educational component. There is also an annual health fair.

In the council’s first year, charter member Jan Spann had the idea to create a holiday fundraising event, which became Dazzle Daze. Members drew on the experience of Janice Robins who was familiar with the Mistletoe Market in Memphis.

Organizers were uncertain what the turnout would be for that first Dazzle Daze. Despite rainy weather and some parking issues, there were more attendees than expected. The second year, however, numbers were down, forcing the committee to get creative. Adding activities like “Breakfast with Santa” helped boost attendance, and the success of the third year ensured the event would continue.

“It was exciting to see the determination of that group of women,” Debbie said. “We were committed because it is a fundraiser, and the money goes back into Conway Regional Health System, which is a vital part of our community.”

PLANNING FOR DAZE

This isn’t the first time Jayme and Debbie have volunteered their time, talent and leadership skills for Dazzle Daze. This is the third time Debbie has served as co-chairman of the event and Jayme’s second.

Planning for Dazzle Daze begins almost immediately after the previous year’s event. Committee members review comment cards and offer ideas and suggestions to build on the event’s success. The Dazzle Daze Committee, which has 20-25 members, begins monthly meetings in January.

One of the challenges for organizers over the years has been location. Held the first eight years at Don Owen, the event quickly outgrew the venue. Last year, the event moved to its new home at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds.

There were about 50 vendors in the first few years of Dazzle Daze, with about 100 expected this year. “It’s doubled in size,” Debbie said.

Hundreds of volunteer hours make the event possible, Jayme said, with tremendous support coming from the community. “Besides the women’s council, we have the support of the staff at Conway Regional,” Debbie added. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

Both are also appreciative of the support of event sponsors. “Our sponsors are a big part and contribute in a lot of different ways,” Debbie said.

As the event chairmen, Jayme and Debbie – along with the organizing committee – have worked hard to ensure a “good show” that attracts good attendance that generates sales for the vendors selected to participate. Organizers seek quality vendors who sell a variety of unique items with varying price points that appeal to attendees.

“We think about what shoppers like and dislike and what will sell,” Debbie said, with Jayme adding that this year’s event will include many new merchants.

10th ANNIVERSARY

Several special things are in the works to commemorate the 10th anniversary, according to Jayme and Debbie. Among them, a new look for the Dazzle Daze logo and special raffle prizes that will be given away.

“We knew this would be a big year, with lots going on with the 10th anniversary,” Jayme said.

“We wanted to step it up a notch for the 10th,” Debbie said.

New this year, there will be catered food for Girls Night Out, and those attending are being encouraged to get “dressed up” for the festivities. “Once again, shoppers will have an opportunity to win a special prize donated by Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers.

Among the goals for this year’s event, Debbie and Jayme hope to increase attendance and the amount of money raised for Conway Regional. It will be a tall order. “Last year broke all kinds of records,” Jayme said. “We had 96 merchants and 7,000 attended, doubled from the previous year. I was at the ticket table, and I looked up and there were just more and more people. We couldn’t take their tickets fast enough.”

Jayme remembers one year when the women’s council donated $16,000 from Dazzle Daze. Last year, Dazzle Daze generated $57,000.

This year, proceeds will be used to expand the Conway Regional Women’s Center and surgical facilities in the second year of a three-year commitment to the ONE Capital Campaign. Proceeds will also support a health student scholarship and the financial assistance program at the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center.

Over the years, Dazzle Daze has provided financial resources to support health-related scholarships and programs through Conway Regional as well as purchase equipment, including a neonatal infant warmer (2002 and 2006), a Cardiac stress diagnostic system (2004), Simulation technology (2007), KidMatch infant security technology (2008) and Bili lights and pads for babies with jaundice (2009).

“My goal is to exceed what we did last year,” Jayme said. “I’d like to see it grow and improve every year.”

Debbie’s personal goal is to present a good show and increase the amount of money to donate to the hospital as well as support the scholarships that the council provides. “I want people to come and have a good time and a good experience.”

“I love it, and it’s fun,” Jayme said.