Junior League cancels Holiday Mart

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — The lingering impact of COVID-19 has prompted the Junior League of Indianapolis (JLI) to cancel the in-person Holiday Mart. The event is held with hundreds of vendors each November at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. 

“Holiday Mart is not only our signature fundraiser, it’s an annual tradition for many,” said JLI president Patrice Dawson. “Canceling was not a decision we took lightly. But the health, safety and well-being of our members, merchants, shoppers and supporters is our utmost priority.”

Funds raised from the four-day event are used by JLI to offer grants to local nonprofits preparing students for academics, including $125,000 in grants last year. 

“Now, more than ever, it is important to be united in community and remain in service to each other,” said Dawson. “We plan to offer other opportunities to engage with and support JLI and our mission in the coming months.”

JLI has donated funds for emergency food relief and emergency shelters for those affected by COVID-19 since March. Click here to learn more about the organization’s pandemic response.