PORT TOWNSEND — At this year’s Ultimate Garage Sale, sponsored by the Port Townsend Rotary Club, it will be more than just bargain hunters who will make off with good deals.
The sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday at the former Courtesy Ford dealership, 14082 Airport Road, Port Townsend.
Making difference
The building is packed with thousands of items, from televisions and DVD players to classic typewriters and skiing gear.
But it’s actually the thousands of dollars the sale raises that makes a difference to the community, said Dave Backman, president-elect of the Rotary club and organizer of the second annual sale.
“Last year, we did raise close to $20,000 that we were able to donate to local clubs and youth organizations,” Backman said.
Port Townsend Rotary creates scholarships for students and donates to 4-H, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, West Camp for Girls, Jumping Mouse, YMCA, Centrum, the Port Townsend Library and multiple Rotary International charities, among others.
Hundreds of people have donated items to the sale, and the building at state Highways 19 and 20 — which has been donated for use by JWJ Group LLC, a property management group based in Silverdale — filled with what could easily be called the largest garage sale in Jefferson County.
“It exceeded all our expectations,” Backman said.
Hope to sell everything
“I’d say we easily got 2,000 people in here last year, and I am betting more this year. I have a feeling people will start waiting outside at 6:30 a.m.”
Club members hope to sell everything by Saturday’s end.
“We really hope to see more people down here than last year,” Beckman said.
The club traditionally had held auctions and raffles to help raise funds, and Backman said members often would raise a few thousand dollars at each event.
When the economy took a downturn in 2008, the club got creative and decided that a community garage sale could work.
“Before the first one in 2008, we had done fundraisers, but nothing as big as this,” Beckman said.
Volunteers setting up for the sale Thursday were making guesses as to how much the sale would raise this year. The optimistic guess was $30,000.
Current Rotary President J. Piper said any amount the club raises will be good for the community.
“Our whole purpose is helping others,” Piper said.
“This is a unique way to do it, as it gets the community involved as well — plus you can get some good stuff here.”
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.