New St. Mary members helm highly anticipated rummage sale

In the final weeks before doors open, the nearly 100 volunteers worked feverishly to sort and stage items for the largest rummage sale on Longboat Key, which saw a turnout of about 800 people last year.

The Women's Guild of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church is holding its annual sale this weekend, starting with the early-bird kickoff from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 28. Deal hunters pay a $5 admission to get a first pass at the available wares, while entry is free for the regular sale from 9 a.m. to noon on March 1.

Co-Chairs Julia Graziano and Barb Puchta say it pays to join the early crowd considering the line has historically wrapped quite far around the Father Edward Pickering Hall.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Lining the entire event space are folding tables and shelves stacked high with clothing, purses, decorations, books, board games, and many gently used items. Outside, more volunteers crated out furniture, large pieces of art and other prized items that can otherwise be challenging to find on sale.

"It's a little chaotic at the moment, but it will be great when we get to the day of the sale," Puchta joked while guild members deftly folded shirts and sheets into neat piles behind them.

She said she believes it is the wide variety of quality items that draw such a large crowd year by year. To put it simply, "People just love a good deal."

Graziano said women's clothing is particularly a big draw, and their stock includes items for every occasion.

Although both are new members of the guild, they agreed to rise to the occasion and coordinate the large-scale sale in its 18th year, which is made possible through donations and helps support local organizations.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Graziano anticipates this year's sale may be bigger than last year as residents work to redecorate their homes, replacing storm-damaged items.

"It's really a great cause, and everyone here today is so nice and very helpful," she said.

Puchta added, "They've all recruited their husbands too."

While the guild hopes to sell as much as possible to support its fundraising efforts, any unclaimed items will be donated to nearby charities.

They advise patrons to come early for the best buys and to be ready to hunt for their something special.