Ready for 40

Forty years.

That’s how long the Xi chapter of Delta Theta Tau has been hosting its annual craft show.

The Delts’ Holiday Crafts and Gifts Show marks its 40th year.

Xi chapter of Delta Theta Tau organizes the Delts’ Holiday Crafts and Gifts Show each November, with this year’s event running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Jay County Junior-Senior High School.

Delta Theta Tau president Debbie Funk and vice president Sharon Beeler both remember how the local philanthropic organization’s craft show first started — roughly 50 years ago, sorority members began by selling their own handmade items out of Asbury United Methodist Church and, later, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

“We decided we weren’t making enough money, and we chose to try this,” Funk recalled.

The philanthropic sorority moved its craft show to the high school 41 years ago, offering space and tables for vendors to sell their wares.

Delta Theta Tau has offered space for as many as 160 vendors each year. Although that total dipped in 2021 following the coronavirus pandemic, the total vendor count has stayed above 100 vendors each year. In 2024, Delta Theta Tau hosted 118 vendors.

Vendors come from all over Indiana, as well as some from Ohio and Michigan. Funk recalled one year when a vendor traveled all the way from Florida — they were related to an Indiana resident.

“We have them from all over, and we have a lot of people from all over come too,” Funk said.

Craft show organizers posted on Facebook that the show had filled its spaces for vendors as of Oct. 31. Plans are to honor vendors Saturday who have been coming to the show for the longest amount of time.

Delta Theta Tau chapters Zeta Chi of Dunkirk and Zeta Alpha of Redkey also volunteer their time, with Zeta Alpha members helping Xi chapter with the sorority’s bake sale and Zeta Chi members running the coat and baggage check.

Other community members pitch in as needed. Jay County High School athletes and student council members set up spaces for vendors the Friday prior and also coordinate setup efforts before the show Saturday. 

“That’s very much appreciated by us and by the vendors,” said Funk. “It’s just one of those things where you just can’t do it all … it’s a big show, and we have a lot of people who help us.”

Various other local organizations, including Tri Kappa chapter Beta Theta of Portland and Youth Service Bureau, also offer their assistance.

“It’s a hard couple days,” said Beeler.

Despite months-long planning and long hours the day of the craft show, Delta Theta Tau members continue to host the event annually, with chairman Linda Ashman leading the effort for 38 years. It’s the Delts’ largest fundraiser.

Delta Theta Tau raises $30,000 to $35,000 annually to give back to the community, with the bulk of that amount coming from the craft show. Dollars go toward various local efforts, including scholarships for graduating high school seniors, Youth For Christ, Secret Families of Jay County, Jay County Cancer Society, the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Jay County Historical Society, The Life Center of Jay County and Jay County Humane Society.

“It means we can give a lot of money back into the community,” Funk said. 

Delta Theta Tau started its first chapter in Muncie in 1903. It began expanding, first across Indiana and later the country. Its Portland chapter, Xi, started in 1915.

It’s become a tradition, too, for Delts’ family members to become involved. Funk’s daughters and granddaughters are now sorority members, noted Beeler.

“To me, it’s really special that it’s generational,” she said.

Admission to the Delts’ Holiday Crafts and Gifts Show on Saturday is $3. Visitors who are 12 or younger are admitted for free.

Funk said the sorority is always looking for folks to help out with fundraising efforts. 

“It’s just all in helping other people, because honestly, it comes back around,” Funk said. “People that we’ve helped, help us do things too.”