Annual Sale Brings in Shoppers and Supporters

Posted December 7, 2015

Annual Sale Brings in Shoppers and Supporters

We wave farewell to another successful year of the Charity Garage & Estate Sale. It was certainly a memorable one- from a shortened first-day of move-in due to the Oct. 30 flooding, to meeting a matching challenge grant, to breaking both net and gross revenue records.

When it comes to money raised at The Sale, every penny counts, according to Nancy Wade, one of the Garage & Estate Sale chairs.
“While all the items individually seem small, they all connect to the bigger whole,” Nancy said. “The sale of this jacket could contribute to associated fees with having a back to school pool party or a hike in a state park.”

The four-day sale is a massive undertaking put on by The Settlement Club, a group of more than 400 women who plan for the event all year. By accepting donations at the Club’s warehouse every Monday (December- early October), The Club collects enough merchandise to fill Palmer Events Center. Proceeds from the sale, dubbed the “Largest Charity Sale in Texas,” go to support general operating costs at The Settlement Home. Another of the Garage & Estate Sale’s chairs, Betty Jo Harris said this year’s $800,502 net revenue both surprised and delighted her.
“What an incredible outpouring of support this is,” she said.
“From our sponsors to our challenge grant donor and participants to all our shoppers and friends, we are grateful for the success of The Sale, which will help meet the needs of children at The Home.”

 Each year, more than 25,000 shoppers flock to Palmer Events Center for Thursday’s famous Preview Party, Friday and Saturday’s great shopping, and Sunday’s Box Sale. The Sale is set up much like a department store, with merchandise organized into 21 departments- ranging from shoes, clothing, sports, furniture, tools, books, collectibles, art, and more!
The Sale’s third co-chair, Debbie Simons says the event organizers work hard to make sure the event is not only a great shopping experience, but fun. “We do our best to make sure everything runs smoothly,” Debbie said.
“We offer free parking, creative displays of merchandise, payment with cash, check or major credit card, and great shopping music. You really have to see this to believe it.”

You never know what kind of unique find you’ll spot at The Sale. This year, shoppers found unicorn figurines, hundreds of rugs, model railroad accessories and countless other treasures, including a life-size bronze warrior statue.

Are you bummed you missed this year’s Sale? Don’t worry, we’re open for business the first full weekend of November every year. So mark your calendar for November 3-6, 2016 and we’ll see you at The Sale!