Tag sale raises money for charity
Area residents got up bright and early Saturday to get first dibs on discount prices on a wide assortment of treasures from people’s garages, sheds and closets.
The North Fort Myers Recreation Center hosted a huge tag sale in the back parking lot behind the football fields, with proceeds going to the United Way as part of its annual fundraising campaign.
The shoppers and United Way weren’t the only winners, as one group held its tag sale to raise funds for people ravaged by a tornado in Africa.
Tiffany Vance, senior program specialist at the rec center, came up with the idea to hold this fundraiser, which was set apart from the regular flea market done in February, which sold only half of this event.
She also had her won two-space area, loaded with items donated by her fellow workers to further help the United Way North District.
“People rented the $5 spaces per space and I asked fellow Lee County employees to donate anything they had from their homes and I would sell them in my space, which would also be donated,” Vance said. “Some people pulled in and realized they needed extra space and we sold four more this morning, so we sold about 45.”
The vendor lined up about dawn and were placed in their spaces as they came in in one straight strip. Once the line was filled, another line of vendors was started.
The shoppers came immediately to gobble up plates, glasses, artwork, books, VHS cassettes, and even the unusual such as an Allen Iverson bobble-head doll or a slot machine.
Connie Warriner had some clothing and other things she wanted to get rid of, and since she doesn’t do flea markets, thought this would be a good idea to put a few bucks in her pocket.
“I could use the money. I need to pay the bills. It’s been nice. The people are very friendly and the other vendors are here to help,” Warriner said.
One particular group was trying to help others. Amy Cutter and her family were there to raise funds for a missionary in Africa who saw a tornado go through his area that devastated 15 families and their homes.
Many of the homes are occupied by widowed mothers who work for two dollars a day and they now have to choose between a home or food for their kids.
“We sent the missionary $300 to fix his roof of palm branches. My kids sold their go-kart and sent the money to him. A few weeks later the tornado came and devastated the area,” Cutter said.
Cutter went to Home Depot for a solar light to light up the village a bit, but the cost to ship it is as much as $300, since it is in such a remote area.
“A hundred dollars here is like $500 there. Do we send $250 there for a light or to feed lots of people,” Cutter said. “I little here goes so far over there. It’s a big toss-up. We’re trying to help them.”
If you would like to help contact Cutter at 848-1520 or acutter25@gmail.com.
People were buying, such as Annette Giberson, who loves rummage sales and was surprised to see such a wide assortment you would find in a thrift store.
“I’m looking for some Christmas decorations. Something always catches you eye,” Giberson said, her hands clenching a bag full of goodies.