Local Craft Fair benefits Troops!

One of our agents, Crystal Pruitt, recently took part in organizing a craft fair event to benefit the troops of Virginia National Guard's Woodstock Company B of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry. The event was a great success. The money brought in will go toward shipping of future care packages as well as the home coming ceremony for the troops! We are all very proud of Crystal for her involvement in this great cause! Below is an article about the event. 

Here is a little bit about Crystal and her role on the Sherry Wilson real estate team in Loudoun County - Purcellville Virginia:

Crystal Pruitt is no stranger to the local markets! Born and raised in Winchester, she is a lifelong resident of the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia. She graduated from Handley High School with a business diploma, and since joining Sherry's team in 2000 she has played a pivotal role in the company. For five years she ran the Contracts Department, having spent two of those years filling the role of Property manager as well, and is now a full-time Realtor. Crystal specializes in the Winchester/Clarke/Frederick areas as well as Western Loudoun. She currently lives in Winchester with her daughter and husband, a member of the Virginia National Guard. She enjoys traveling, horseback riding, going to amusement parks, and loves helping with her daughter's Girl Scout troop. A member of the PTA and National Guard Family Readiness Group, Crystal has extensive knowledge of your family's needs. Her smiling personality, dedication, and timely response will make you feel right at ease. With Crystal's familiarity with the processes that make the team work, combined with her skills as a realtor, she will surely make your transaction a wholly wonderful experience.

Article: http://www.nvdaily.com/Newstories/290328898491071.bsp

Courtesy: The Northern Virginia Daily

Craft fair held to support local Guard unit

By Sally Voth -- Daily Staff Writer

WOODSTOCK - Visitors to the John O. Marsh Armory on Saturday could Christmas shop pick up items for themselves, and eat sweet treats, all while supporting National Guard members in Iraq.

A daylong craft fair and bake sale benefited the soldiers of the Virginia National Guard's Woodstock Company B of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry.

After it was reported in late October that five pallets of material, including toiletries, clothes and food, had been donated by shoppers at the Winchester Costco, but that about $2,000 was needed to ship it, guard supporters responded, and half the shipment was sent about two weeks ago, said Crystal Pruitt, co-leader of the soldier care group, a subsidiary of the Family Readiness Group.

She expects the remaining 23 boxes to be sent on Tuesday.

"We've just had overwhelming support from the community," said Pruitt, whose husband, SPC Thomas Pruitt Jr., remains at their Winchester home after being injured in training. "We just took phone call after phone call. It's very heartwarming to see people come out and support."

Those who stopped by the armory for Saturday's craft show were also stuffing money into a container beside a photo of the unit and a computer showing a slideshow of the troops from the day they deployed.

"People are really getting into why we're here," Pruitt said. "Today's helping to also go to the coming home ceremony."

Jane Lehew, whose husband, 1st Sgt. Roy Lehew, was deployed to Afghanistan before the Iraq mission, worked on the craft show with Pruitt.

Crafters, who were selling everything from carpetbags to Christmas wreaths, quilts and knives, paid $10 per table, Lehew said. Several, such as Adrienne Blum, of Earlysville, donated items to be sold. Blum sent boxes of handmade enamel switch plates.

"We're going to do this again in May," Lehew said. "We're still looking for donations to help with the homecoming."

Additionally, businesses can donate items to be raffled, she said.

A pair of Winchester entrepreneurs were at the show trying to drum up interest in their Internet businesses. Jamaine Cain, of Cain Inc., sells jewelry, skin care products, cleaners and baby items on his Web site. Barnabas McFarland, who owns BTM Inc., sells health foods and supplements. "I'm in the Army Reserve myself, so anything I can do to help out. " Cain said. "I have a couple friends out of the Winchester unit. They're in Kuwait now."

Anyone wishing to donate to the soldier care group or find out more information can call Pruitt at 336-6755, or Lehew at 304-496-9416.

Article: http://www.nvdaily.com/Newstories/290328898491071.bsp

Courtesy: The Northern Virginia Daily

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