Collaborators support community one market at a time

Big Heart Markets are all about community.

The market series was created by Kim Morby and Tammy Chiaromonte as a way of supporting their community of vendors, residents and specific local causes. Morby, a Creemore-based Pampered Chef rep, and Chiaromonte, a New Lowell-based Sipology rep, met on the vendors circuit in 2017. When the market Morby participated in closed up shop, Chiaromonte suggested they try organizing their own. As seasoned vendors, they agreed to incorporate all the best practices they had learned along the way – with attention to vendor experience – and leave out anything that made their experience unpleasant.

Both women have full-time jobs but make time for their “passion project.” The goal is to create a positive experience for vendors, a fun shopping experience, and raise funds for worthy causes. The first markets supported St. Luke’s Community Food Bank in Creemore and Guiding in New Lowell.

The March Madness Market will benefit a local family whose daughter is undergoing cancer treatment. Morby said the hope is that the funds will help with the family’s costs associated with travel, including meals and overnight stays.

The funds are raised by raffling off gift baskets of items donated by the vendors. At the March 8 market, Frankie the Barber will be giving haircuts on site with all proceeds going to the family. This market will also include a silent auction with golf passes, gift certificates, and more. The goal at each market is to raise over $1,000.