What better way to raise startup funds to lay the foundation for a new college than to bring a whole community together for shopping, food, and games? Do not forget the pony rides! This was the idea behind the Sisters of Saint Francis’ fundraiser known as the Bazaar. This Bazaar was an outdoor market with vendors selling diverse types of merchandise, typically crafted and handmade. From 1963-1975, the Bazaar was held in Our Lady of Angels parking lot across from the Convent. The funds raised by the Sisters went directly into the building funds for the newly envisioned, Our Lady of Angels College.

Bazaar Tradition

The year 1963 was the start of the Bazaar Tradition at Our Lady of Angels. In addition to the vinyl sales from the popular “Joyous Echoes” album, which the Sisters also released to raise money, a larger fundraiser was needed to gather the funds for the building of Our Lady of Angels College. The idea that initiated the Bazaar was to sell goods, food, and carnival-like games with the proceeds going into the building fund. The Sisters immediately went to work and invited the support of local community members, partners in ministry and families of the Sisters to host this grand event. People came and volunteered to build the stalls, donated items to and large auction items. Early prizes included a mink stole, antique mahogany cabinet stereo, set of silver service for twelve, Sunbeam Mixmaster, and the grand prize of two- round trip tickets to San Diego with a one-week stay at the famous El Cortez Hotel. Purchasing raffle tickets to win these prizes made a major financial impact on the fundraiser.

The first Bazaar was held on May 18,1963. The preceding days were filled with last-minute preparations. Sisters from Baltimore were bused in to provide extra help along with students from many high schools in the Philadelphia and Baltimore areas. The morning of May 18th began with rain; however, it cleared just in time for the start of the event. Hundreds and even thousands from the surrounding area and beyond came out to visit the Bazaar. Children were lined up around the lot for twenty-five-cent pony rides, families browsed the stalls, and the volunteers saw all the hard work pay off. The parking lots were packed, and the community showed their support for the dream college that would soon be located across the street.

Impact of the Bazaar

The first Bazaar provided a substantial portion of the money needed to build the college. According to records in the Neumann University Archives, the initial accreditation meeting recognized how resourceful the Sisters’ fundraising efforts were and how their success showed the financial stability needed for accreditation. Brainstorming began immediately for the next Bazaar which resulted in a much more successful event. The main raffle prizes in 1964 were a station wagon and a 4-door sedan.

Financial records show the following revenue from the Bazaar and Raffles:
1963 Bazaar…39,350.79
1963 Chances…78,710.50
Total…118,061.29

This sum of money went directly into the construction of what is now the Bachmann Building at Neumann University. Throughout the following years the Bazaar continued but the Sisters explored various forms of fundraising, not only to support Neumann University but also to support the various ministries of the Sisters and the elder care of the Sisters. Although the Bazaars are no longer held, their impact can still be felt through Neumann University’s strong partnership with the members of the community and others who support the legacy of the Sisters and the mission of Neumann University.

Please enjoy this recipe we found in the archives from the very first Bazaar in 1963!

Million Dollar Fudge Recipe

Place in Pan:

• 4 cups sugar
• 1 large can of milk
• 1 cube butter or oleo

Boil exactly 6 minutes.

• Add 1 cup marshmallow cream to boiling mixture.

Then, pour over ingredients of:

• 1.5 giant Hersey bars (cut up)