MARYSVILLE — For the third year in a row, Cindy Evans’ memory was honored through the generosity of seasonal shoppers.

Marysville Awards and Gifts conducted its third annual Jingle Bell Benefit for the Cindy Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund Dec. 6, donating 25 percent of the proceeds on all items sold that day. For Marysville Awards and Gifts owner Connie Kukull, the yearly fundraiser is a way to carry on the good works of a close friend.

“Before she passed away in 2001 of breast cancer, Cindy was very active in the community and did a lot of work with the school district,” said Kukull, who received visits from Evans’ sisters, daughters and grandchildren Dec. 6.

The Jingle Bell Benefit ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by 2 p.m., Kukull estimated that she’d already had 50 customers in her store. Her goal, which she met in both previous years, was to raise $1,000 during the day, since that’s the amount of the scholarship.

“Some people come in and, instead of shopping, just give donations,” Kukull said. “The largest single donation I received was $250. It’s great that Cindy has a scholarship in her name because she was such an advocate for kids. By keeping this going, year after year, I feel like I’m helping to keep her spirit alive.”