SHERWOOD, Ore — Organizers of a popular vintage market in Sherwood are adjusting plans for their annual event and moving online.
Vivi’s Vintage Market is run by the Vivian Lee Foundation, and is held at the Red Berry Barn in Sherwood each year for Mother’s Day. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the in-person market was cancelled, but people can still shop online.
“We kind of had to quickly switch gears,” said organizer Christy Rimrodt.
Rimrodt started the market several years ago and named it after her five-year-old daughter Vivian, who has cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung disease.
“People with cystic fibrosis get a lot of mucus buildup in their lungs, so we do treatment every single day to try to break that mucus up in their lungs to clear it, so infection doesn't start and bacteria doesn't get harbored in there,” said Rimrodt.
A simple cold or flu can cause complications for children like Vivian, and land them in the hospital.
That’s why the Rimrodt family went into isolation as soon as the pandemic started.
“Honestly she hasn't really left the house much at all, and my husband and I have been taking extra precautions,” said Rimrodt.
The family has been busy changing its plans for the market, which draws hundreds of people to Sherwood each year.
“We have different artists and home decor, vintage vendors that come and we put on this big event, and we fund raise for cystic fibrosis research,” Rimrodt said.
Even though the event is cancelled this year, people can still support the cause.
The Vivian Lee Foundation is selling handmade Mother’s Day gift boxes online that include things like a candle, earrings and tea.
The event raises money for Cystic Fibrosis Research and will also help families struggling during the pandemic.
You can buy the boxes online and have them shipped to you, or pick them up at the Red Berry Barn.
The Red Berry Barn is also selling hanging flower baskets to help the cause.
“They are offering to donate 10 dollars from every basket sold on their website if you designate it for the Vivian Lee Foundation. They will donate 10 dollars to us,” said Rimrodt. “All of the money that we raise during this will go directly to families that are affected by COVID, whether it's loss of income or needing help with groceries.
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