48 Years of Holiday Shops

In its 48th year, Holiday Shops continues to shine as USM’s signature annual fundraising event. In addition to the three days of shopping, the community enjoyed a complimentary opening night Preview Party featuring both silent and live auctions, and a wine pull. The Week of Winning raffle and family lunch at the café returned as signature elements. The annual event is organized by USM’s Parents’ Association and run 100% by volunteers. Shops generously donate 15% of gross sales to USM.

Programming Supported by Holiday Shops 

Holiday Shops revenue is vital to supporting a variety of 
programming and activities, some of which are listed below, that build community amongst students and families. The funds provided by the PA and other sources are used to help offset expenses like facility and equipment rentals, food, vendors, and transportation.

• Prekindergarten Doctor’s Park Trip
• Preschool Fall Festival
• 2nd Grade Camp Minikani Overnight Trip
• 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip
• Summer Social Event for Freshmen
• Wildcat Coffee Hours
• Homecoming Dance
• Prom
• Senior Dinner
• Author Visits and Scholastic Book Fair
• Spirit T-shirts for New Students

Holiday Shops 2024 raised an estimated $150,000 via vendor sales, auction items, donations, Week of Winning raffle, Wine Pull, and Faces of USM photo sales. 

Shoppers enjoyed 54 new and returning vendors from around the country.

More than 1,500 people visited Holiday Shops.