Pineapple Antique Show and Sale raises funds for community charities

The First United Methodist Church and the Rotary Club of Sarasota Sunrise Foundation Inc. will host the 37th annual Pineapple Antique Show and Sale Friday, March 8 and Saturday March 9, at the Municipal Auditorium, to raise funds for community charities.

Barbara Rice, Dot Garber and Harriet Agler came up with the idea of the Pineapple Antique Show and Sale in 1976, to raise money for family-oriented community organizations. Parishioners and members stay true to the goal today by donating many items to the antique show that will be displayed at the sale.

Since its inception the show has distributed approximately $400,000 throughout the community. The show will feature nearly 40 exhibitors from across the U.S. and Canada.

“We have everything from exquisite jewelry, Asian antiques, urns, artwork, and hand-crafted tote bags made by parishioners,” says Nola Hietbrink, lay leader of First United Methodist Church.

The show was held in the church until 2007 when it outgrew its size. Parishioners began preparing for this year’s antique show right after last year’s antique show. They collect items throughout the year.

“It’s a church-wide effort to produce the antique show,” Hietbrink said.

In addition, the show will offer crystal and glass repair, as well as a sterling-silver matching service. Exhibitors will also sell 17th- and 18th-century French furniture and 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century English and American antiques.

“Some treasures are near and dear to parishioners,” Hietbrink said, “They truly hope it will bring some return for individuals in the community, and we know it’s going to a good place. “

Proceeds from the sale will go to All Faiths Food Bank; Baby Basics of Sarasota; Caritas; Children First; Child Protection Center; Community Mobile Meals; Early Care Center Scholarships; Family Law Connection; Family Promise of Sarasota; First Step; Florida Impact; Goodwill; Habitat for Humanity; Manasota AIDS Foundation; Mothers Helping Mothers; NAMI; Resurrection House; Safe Children Coalition; Samaritan Counseling; Second Chance-Last Opportunity; Service Club of Palmetto; SPARCC; The Pines of Sarasota; “Y” Achievers through the YMCA; and Venice Area Mobile Meals.

IF YOU GO
Preview Party and Sale with Jazz Trio and hors d’oeuvres 
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 7
Where: Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail 
Cost: $15 at door; $10 in advance
Info and tickets: Call 955-0935 or visit firstsrq.com

Pineapple Antique Show
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 8; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9
Where: Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail 
Cost: $6