Second annual fundraiser generates funds for
Jefferson County Refuge House
Ashley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
“You can do anything with polymer clay,” said local artisan Oona Fessenden last year as she prepared for her first fundraiser for the Jefferson County Refuge House.
In 2018, through the sale of her colorful polymer bowls, Fessenden hosted a fundraiser for the local refuge house. 
That fundraiser, which covered the month of December, raised $300 for the non-profit refuge house.
As a master craftswoman when it comes to polymer clay, Fessenden creates a variety of items out of the colorful clay, such as trinket bowls, keychains, earrings, necklaces and more.
Last year, she chose to do more with her clay medium than just mold it into delightful bowls, jewelry and trinket containers – she used it to support the woman and children in Jefferson County who are under the wings of the county refuge house.
This year, Fessenden is returning to that mission and hoping to again raise money that will support the refuge house in its gift of aid and shelter for the woman and families who are fleeing abusive and unstable home lives.
The $300 which Fessenden raised in 2018 is just the start... throughout the rest of December 2019, Fessenden will be selling her products and giving 100 percent of the proceeds to the Refuge House. These funds will directly support the organization that gives aid to victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
According to Fessenden, she was inspired to donate the proceeds of her sales to the Refuge House after watching Refuge House Counselor Nan Baughman work within the community.
“I admire her and I want to support her and her cause,” said Fessenden. “[Baughman is] an angel.”
“There are so many great people in this town,” added Fessenden. “And Nan [Baughman] is on the top of my list.”
Until January 1, 2020, all proceeds gathered from the sale of Fessenden’s polymer clay pretties will go towards the Jefferson County Domestic Violence Center and Refuge House.
Most of her clay creations are priced under $10, as Fessenden wanted her items to be accessible to Christmas shoppers who wanted to feel good about the gifts they gave this year.
Trinket bowls and clay boxes range between $6-$15, earrings are $4 and necklaces are $8. Christmas pins will be sold for $6.50, toothpick bowls are $6 and frames are $9.50.
Each item is unique, handcrafted and sturdy enough for every day use.
“Christmas is the time for giving,” said Fessenden, and when someone purchases one of the clay pretties from Fessenden’s booth (named Pura Paja – pronounced “poorah paha” and translates into “Pure Fun” from Spanish) at Two Sisters...New Beginnings, they will be able to give a special gift to not only their loved ones this Christmas, but they will also give a precious gift of support to the victims of abuse in Jefferson County.
To see all of Fessenden’s stock and item pricing, visit Two Sisters...New Beginnings, located at 106 E. Washington St., just a few feet east of the Courthouse.
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