Raising a rummage

MELISSA ADAMS

It’s a bargain-hunter’s dream come true -- a potpourri of gently used

clothing, shoes, accessories, art, housewares, toys, linens, jewelry,

electronics, tools, furniture, records, tapes, sporting goods and

boutique items.

Amassed from donations from a generous community, all items are in

good condition and priced to sell in a concerted two-day fund-raising

effort.

After three weeks of collecting, sorting and pricing by dozens of

volunteers, the Friends of OASIS will present what might be called

the mother of all garage sales, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept.

26. Admission is $3 for this “preview day” of the Newport Beach

Senior Center Rummage Sale. Come for the best selection of

collectibles and one-of-a-kind surprises in the first hours of day

one.

The event continues from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.

Since the intention is to sell all merchandise by the end of day two,

prices are sometimes negotiable, subject to the wiles and whims of

buyers and sellers.

The annual happening draws hundreds of savvy shoppers, retailers,

antique dealers and interior decorators. They descend on the senior

center, at 800 Marguerite Ave. in Corona del Mar, to hunt for

unexpected treasures and once-in-a-lifetime bargains.

“There are always great deals on items no longer needed by their

former owners,” said Friends of OASIS President Sheila Hatchell, who

purchased a set of china last year that listed on e-Bay for five

times the price she paid. She boasts that her Newport Beach home is

“rummage sale furnished.”

Hatchell calls the annual sale a “social fund-raiser” that is

eagerly anticipated every fall. In addition to great deals on

tangible items, homemade and donated baked goods are available for

purchase, all reasonably priced to keep shoppers sharp.

“It’s a great opportunity for pre-Christmas shopping,” event chair

Nancy Acone said. “Shoppers looking for Halloween costumes, once-used

wedding accessories, vintage clothing, jewelry and things for the

home can often find them at a fraction of their original cost.”

A dedicated volunteer who donates time to the Friends of the

Library, as well as the Friends of OASIS, Acone heads up a corps of

energetic seniors who check to ensure that all merchandise is clean

and in working order before it is categorized for sale.

Among them is professional gemologist Barbara Shelton, who cleans

and assesses the fair market value of donated jewelry each year.

Equally valuable are the services of John Nelson, who ensures that

computer parts and electrical appliances are in working order. Steve

Wozny and Dave Shrek provide additional support, driving from Anaheim

to pick up donated furniture from those unable to deliver it to the

center.

Now more than 20 years old, the annual rummage sale raises money

for the Friends of OASIS, who provide support for the senior center.

“We hope to keep many classes going that were cut due to

reductions in financial backing,” said Pat Jones, co-chair of the

event with Julie Read.

Profits from the sale also support transportation programs and

social services for hundreds of local seniors.

From 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. Sept. 8 through Sept. 23,

tax-deductible donations for the rummage sale will be accepted in

Room 3 at OASIS. Furniture pickup for those unable to make deliveries

may be arranged by calling Maria at ( 949) 718-1800.

* MELISSA ADAMS manages communications for City of Newport Beach

Recreation & Senior Services. OASIS Senior Center is a hub for older

adults social and information services, at 5th & Narcissus Avenue in

Corona del Mar. For more information about the center and its

activities, please call 949-644-3244.