Gingerbread display at Encore at Eastmark benefits charity

Money raised from raffle tickets sold at a gingerbread village on display Nov. 15 an Dec. 6 in Encore at Eastmark will go to a Mesa resident’s favorite charity — a hospice and community center.

The clubhouse at 5620 S. Encore will be open to the public for viewing of the gingerbread village from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. thhose two days. Raffle tickets for the displays will be available for $3 each or two for $5. Donations will also be accepted.

The drawing for displays will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, during the Encore Santa Breakfast.

All proceeds will purchase books for a special library for children at Hospice and Community Care, 2275 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina.

“It’s so important to bring joy to everyone, especially during this time of year. Everyone enjoys viewing the displays and brings a smile.  Last year we raised almost $1,800. This year we hope to exceed that amount. All proceeds purchase books for the children’s library,” Mesa resident Judy Hall said.

The funds are to be donated in honor of Klaus Schmolke, a U.S. Navy veteran who was the official Santa Claus of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

“When he became ill, we had Hospice and Community Care. They are the best of the best,” his wife, Mesa resident Janie Schmolke, said in a written statement.

The children’s library is to help children who are grieving, she said.

“Everyone grieves differently. There is no right or wrong, but many times we do not think about how the loss of a loved one may affect a child. So, the children’s library became a reality. A perfect memory for a special man. Santa’s library, as it is often referred to,” Janie Schmolke said.

Correction: An earlier version had a span of time and not that the event is held on two specific dates.