Contributed Photo/Courtesy Graham County Chamber of Commerce: Ginaveve’s Marketplace took home first place for its 101 Dalmations depiction.
Contributed Article/Courtesy Graham County Chamber of Commerce
GRAHAM COUNTY- The Graham County Chamber of Commerce and Copper Hills Dental are excited to announce the 2nd annual Halloween Spooktacular Costume Contest winners.
This contest, organized by Copper Hills Dental and the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, invites local businesses to compete in a costume contest to fund the winner’s nonprofit of choice each year.
Jenny Howard and her group of employees at Ginaveve’s Market Place won this year’s contest for their depiction of Cruella DeVille and her gang of playful pups. Their local charity of choice, the Gila Valley Emergency Medical Services Council will be receiving a $500 check. The GVEMSC is a registered nonprofit that benefits first responders.
David Tanstaafl, the chairperson on the GVEMSC board, said the money will go toward trauma support training.
“We have a peer support team founded several years ago,” Tanstaafl said, “Over the years the people have come and gone and now we don’t have as many people who have received the training.”
This support group is used whenever first responders have attended to traumatic events such as horrific car crashes or disasters, he said. They call to check in on the responders, bring meals, and are trained in emotional support. However, that training needs to be updated, and more people on the support team need to be educated.
Jenny Howard said her shop donates to a charity each year, and this year the team decided to benefit the council.
“I think they’re a new and upcoming charity,” Howard said. “The girls came up with the 101 Dalmation theme, and it’s my favorite show. Everything fell into place.”
Ginaveve’s Market Place, Valley Telecom, Rustic Lace, Double R Communication, and Copper Hills Dental all competed in this year’s competition.
