By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

Two weeks ago, Masquerade Fundraising, a jewelry and accessories company with fundraising teams throughout the United States, held its fall showing at Shelby Baptist Health Center.

The Baptist Health Ladies Auxiliary did a great job with advertising, helping customers, gift wrapping, etc.

Owner Carlos Horne has held two shows per year for the Shelby Baptist Health Center Auxiliary for a number of years.

He has 45 work crews across the nation who split their profits 20/80 with the hospitals where they present their showings.

Last year alone they raised over $5 million for their customers.

Since its inception, over $25 million has been raised by Masquerade Jewelry partnering with hospitals as a wonderful way to help share.

Crews personally work with each hospital staff to strategically develop a plan to meet the fundraising goals for that hospital.

Among the hundreds of items offered at the November showing were necklaces, chains, crosses, bracelets (sporty and dressy), earrings (pierced, clips, wooden, plastic, pearl, rhinestone, silver and gold toned and whatever you can imagine).  Alabama and Auburn fans were pleased with the scarves, duffle bags, key chains, wallets, gloves, jewelry, purses, hats and leggings.

There were warm hats for toddlers and kiddies, toboggans for adults, battery powered lanterns, puzzles, piggy banks, light up pens, fanny packs, iPhone connectors, light switches and other children’s items such as hair bands, ponytail holders and fingerless gloves.

Men’s offerings included ties, handkerchiefs, cuff links, watches of every style, bracelets, rings and other assorted items.

Masquerade is fun, sometimes a frenzy, but always with a lot of positive energy for staff, customers, volunteers and patients.

It takes a lot of time to browse and decide on that perfect gift for someone or yourself!

If you missed the sale in November, be sure and not miss the spring collection.