The Joseph Brant Hospital Auxiliary is reinventing its annual fundraiser, now in its 26th year, with a fresh twist that promises excitement and charitable impact. Familiar to many long-time Burlington residents are the Auxiliary’s Antique and Collectibles Auctions, which have contributed over $1,100,000 to support the hospital since 1997. However, in response to changing preferences, the Auxiliary is embracing a new approach.
This year, on May 3rd and 4th, at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church in Burlington, the Auxiliary will host a unique event combining a marketplace and estate sale. The marketplace, open from 4 PM to 7 PM on Friday and 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, will offer a wide range of affordable items akin to a traditional antique sale. Simultaneously, the estate sale section will showcase high-end treasures including china, crystal, sterling silver, and valuable prints of artworks.
Moira McEachern, a dedicated volunteer with the Auxiliary, expresses the excitement for this new format. “Times change,” she remarks, highlighting the evolving landscape of fundraising events. The decision to pivot from live auctions to a marketplace and estate sale was influenced by the resounding success of a similar fundraiser held in September.
During the September event, attendees flocked to the marketplace, eagerly snapping up items. The success was palpable, with shelves nearly bare within hours. “It looked really bare. We hadn’t even had the live auction yet. So it was very successful,” recounts Moira, hinting at the anticipation for the upcoming event.
The marketplace will feature items priced from $5 to $40 or $50, ensuring accessibility while maintaining quality. Volunteers, comprising a dedicated committee focused on this fundraiser, have diligently curated a collection of glassware, linens, jewelry, clocks, lighting, books, collectibles, and furniture, among others. The estate sale, on the other hand, will cater to enthusiasts seeking higher-end pieces to add to their collections.
The allure of this event extends beyond the offerings; it’s about supporting a vital community institution. “We collect all year,” explains Moira, detailing the meticulous process of sourcing items for the sale. The committee’s efforts aim to attract a diverse audience, including a younger demographic intrigued by vintage finds.
Both the marketplace and estate sale will accept various payment methods, including cash, credit, and debit, ensuring convenience for all attendees. With the success of previous fundraisers and the enthusiasm surrounding this revamped format, volunteers are optimistic about the impact this event will have on supporting Joseph Brant Hospital.
So mark your calendars for May 3rd and 4th and join in the excitement of exploring hidden treasures while contributing to a noble cause!
