CAZENOVIA — On Dec. 4, “Hillcrest” Jephson Estate (4571 Ridge Road) in Cazenovia will host Hazel’s Hilltop Christmas, a buy-local event and fundraiser for Hazel’s Hope, Inc.
Hazel’s Hope is a local not-for-profit established in memory of Hazel Elizabeth Shaw (2007 – 2021), who was born missing a part of her ninth chromosome, which left her in a wheelchair using a device to communicate. Following Shaw’s unexpected passing last April, her mother, Colleen, founded Hazel’s Hope with the goal of helping families of children with special needs through increased access to adaptive equipment.
Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hazel’s Hilltop Christmas will include self-guided mansion tours, caroling led by groups from Cazenovia High School, hot chocolate and coffee donated by The Brewster Inn, a bake sale, raffles for up to 25 donated items such as a hand-crocheted afghan, and a custom Adirondack ski chair, fresh pine wreath-making with Pia Murray from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., shopping for locally made products from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and photo opportunities with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Cazenovia College alumna Taylor Bass’ real “Christmas Horse” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Children’s book author Michele Sullivan will be signing and selling her first book, “The Adventures of Willis the Cat,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cazenovia-based photographer Erin Paglia will also be on-site to take indoor or outdoor holiday photos. To schedule an appointment, email [email protected]. A portion of the proceeds of Paglia’s “Christmas Mini Sessions” will be donated to Hazel’s Hope.
According to Cazenovia resident and entrepreneur Tina McPherson, who organized the event, around 10 local businesses will be selling their merchandise throughout the day.
Available items will include one-of-a-kind scarves designed by Shaw; the Wooden Button hand-knitted hats, headbands, cozies, and mittens; and Simply Threads women’s lounge apparel.
“Simply Threads is owned by Jackie Wilson of Cazenovia, and [she decided that] all proceeds from [her] event sales will go to Hazel’s Hope,” said McPherson.
Cazenovia Candle, A Crafty Chic Boutique, By Kelly, and The Square Marble will also be selling products.
Each participating business has been asked to pay a small business fee and donate a raffle item.
Witty Wicks 4 oz custom event candles are currently available for pre-order. The peppermint-scented and candy cane-topped candles are $6 each. For every candle sold, $2 will go to Hazel’s Hope.
McPherson noted that the vendor fees, along with proceeds from the wreath-making, bake sale, and raffles, will also be donated to Hazel’s Hope.
“There is no admission fee, but there will be a donation box,” added McPherson. “One hundred percent of donations [will] support Hazel’s Hope.”
To donate to the bake sale, email Caitlin Clonan at [email protected].
Raffle tickets are three for $5 or 10 for $10. The drawing will take place at 4 p.m., and the winners will be notified by phone. To donate an item to the raffle, email [email protected] or message the Facebook or Instagram event pages. Raffle items will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 1.
McPherson, who founded Primo & Mary’s Heritage Products, Inc./SalsaCuse Salsa (salsacusesalsa.com) in 2008, organized Hazel’s Hilltop Christmas with help from Lisa Knutsen, owner of the Wooden Button, and Linda Osborne, owner of Jephson Estate.
“For the last eight years or so, I have held a small buy-local event in my home, selling my salsa in gift baskets and such,” said McPherson. “[I] have grown the event to include many other small, local businesses. I am very happy to report that I have recently sold the salsa business — at the end of the year it will be final — and I wanted to have a festive holiday event bigger than ever before. So, I reached out to Linda Osborne of Jephson Estate and asked if an event could be held there; without hesitation, she said ‘yes.’. . Once we set the event date, I threw it out to the Cazenovia community as to what local non-profit should be the beneficiary, and Hazel’s Hope of Cazenovia was chosen.”
To learn more about Hazel’s Hope, visit hazels-hope.org.
Hillcrest Jephson Estate was built in 1905 by Robert Benson Davis, founder of the R. B. Davis Baking Powder Co. Following his death in 1920, Davis willed his fortune and estate to his daughter, Lucretia, whose husband, George Shipman Jephson, served as president of the company. Lucretia Davis Jephson, a philanthropist, lived on the estate until her death in 1979.
The Queen Anne Victorian House, which is recognizable for its three-story tower, sits on 8.2 acres overlooking Cazenovia Lake. The estate, including the original carriage house, guest house, and icehouse, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information on the Dec. 4 holiday event, search “Hazel’s Hilltop Christmas at Jephson Estate” on Facebook or “hazels_hilltop_christmas” on Instagram.
