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Treasures found at annual St. Mary Rummage Sale

The sale kicked off at noon on Friday, March 1.


  • By Katie Johns
  • | 3:06 p.m. March 1, 2019
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

The customers of the St. Mary Royal Rummage Sale meant business March 1.

Before the doors opened, some customers lined up and dotted the parking lot with lawn chairs to mark their spot and save a resting place.

As soon as the clock struck noon, the doors opened and the social hall was flooded with people rummaging through the clothing, home goods, jewelry, furniture and artwork that was available for purchase.

Throughout the sale, event co-organizer Ingrid Wisniewski used a megaphone to fill in the shoppers on pertinent details and give them some encouragement.

“Charity is happy the more you spend,” Wisniewski said. “...Have a ball.”

All proceeds from the sale go to various charities. This year’s beneficiaries may include less-fortunate parishes, Catholic education and pro-life organizations.

The St. Mary Women’s Guild has been planning the event since this summer. Each week, volunteers would collect and organize donations to get them ready for the big sale.

The sale continues on Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m.  to 1 p.m.

Rummage sale organizers Ingrid Wisniewski and Penny Koerner
Rummage sale organizers Ingrid Wisniewski and Penny Koerner
Customers lined up outside at least an hour before the doors opened.
Customers lined up outside at least an hour before the doors opened.
Joe Zampino and Donna Monachelli
Joe Zampino and Donna Monachelli
Plants and other decor were some of the first items customers saw upon entering the sale.
Plants and other decor were some of the first items customers saw upon entering the sale.
Marilyn Bettencourt and Paula Sharp
Marilyn Bettencourt and Paula Sharp
Beryl Banyas checks out a shirt in the clothing department.
Beryl Banyas checks out a shirt in the clothing department.
Outside, furniture and lamps were available for purchase.
Outside, furniture and lamps were available for purchase.
Carol Westwood and Barb Kiefer
Carol Westwood and Barb Kiefer
Shoppers peruse the jewelry section.
Shoppers peruse the jewelry section.
Dionna Reinert and Dee Tornillo
Dionna Reinert and Dee Tornillo
The clothing department was one of the busiest during the sale.
The clothing department was one of the busiest during the sale.
Gail Dufard looks at shirts in the clothing department.
Gail Dufard looks at shirts in the clothing department.
Bob Soper, Rick Stauffer, Chuck DiNatale and Chuck Sobieck
Bob Soper, Rick Stauffer, Chuck DiNatale and Chuck Sobieck
Fran and Norman Fletcher and Janet Gean
Fran and Norman Fletcher and Janet Gean
Shoes, along with clothing, jewelry and other apparel was on sale.
Shoes, along with clothing, jewelry and other apparel was on sale.
Teri Scaring organizes the shoes.
Teri Scaring organizes the shoes.
Ties sat near purses and belts during the sale.
Ties sat near purses and belts during the sale.

 

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