Zapata UM to establish scholarship fund

Violet Denham sells doll
collection to raise money
for endowment

A member of Zapata UMC is selling her extensive doll collection next week—just in time for Christmas.
Proceeds from the sale of Violet Denham’s dolls are to establish a scholarship fund to assist high school students from her region along the Texas-Mexico border.
More than 500 of Denham’s dolls are to be on display in San Antonio Dec. 15, 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Avalon-Riklin Antiques, 3601 Broadway.
The collection includes dolls ranging from hard-to-find Victorian examples to contemporary artisan dolls. Denham acquired them over the past 20 years.
She said she purchased some dolls as souvenirs during travels domestically and abroad. Others captured her attention at doll shows because of their expressions and vintage charm.
Denham’s motivation for establishing a scholarship endowment stems from her concern for young people along the border.
“With all the stresses kids face today, I think they need all the help they can get,” Denham said. “If I can help just one child, then I feel like I’ve done something worthwhile with my life.”
The Austin-based Texas Methodist Foundation is helping Denham establish the Violet Denham Scholarship Endowment Fund.
“It takes a lot of selflessness to gift a collection that has been a part of your life for so many years,” said Linda Murdock, the foundation’s development officer for the Southwest Texas Conference. “I can’t help but be inspired by how Violet gave a part of herself to help teenagers in the future.”
Murdock is working with Denham on establishing the endowment.
Information about the dolls included in the sale can be found at www.avalon-riklin.com/shows.html or by calling Avalon-Riklin Antiques at (210) 222-0265.