August 25, 2015
Hundreds of generous donors and buyers turned out this year to help raise a near-record amount of money at the 22nd annual Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department auction and yard sale.
Hundreds of generous donors and buyers turned out this year to help raise a near-record amount of money at the 22nd annual Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department auction and yard sale.
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| Crowds hunt for bargains at the Saturday yard sale |
More than $53,000 was
raised at the August 8 and 9 event to support the non-profit fire and rescue
department. The total was slightly less than two years ago, when several
high-priced items drove the tally to record levels.
“We were able to raise a near-record amount of much-needed money thanks to both our donors and those who turned out for the auction and bid generously,” said Mike Helfgott, president of the OBIFD Board of Directors.
“We were able to raise a near-record amount of much-needed money thanks to both our donors and those who turned out for the auction and bid generously,” said Mike Helfgott, president of the OBIFD Board of Directors.
“The generosity and
community spirit we see continues to amaze and humble all of us at the
department,” Helfgott said. “Each and every year, this event is a testament to
our wonderful community and the people who live and visit here.”
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| Bidders at the Sunday auction. |
The highest-priced item
this year was a 31-foot power boat, which sold for the minimum bid of $15,000.
Other big-ticket sales included a Mazda pickup truck with plow for $2,350; a
set of soda shop style stools for $500; a large sign from a former Orr’s Island
hotel for $500; and a handmade, king-size quilt for $400.
In addition, more than
100 other pieces were auctioned on Sunday, with many people taking home genuine
bargains. A homemade dollhouse, complete with furniture, went for $250; An
antique chest with a mirror sold for $150, a grandfather clock went for $200,
an oak dining room table sold for $35; and numerous antique chairs and small tables
sold for prices ranging from $5 to $100.
Meanwhile, the two-day yard sale on the fire station grounds and in the
adjacent old Orr’s Island Schoolhouse featured a wide variety of furniture,
household items, sporting goods, tools and more, with costs ranging from a few
cents to a few dollars. Many terrific bargains were had because the large
number of quality items at the auction meant more things were sold at the yard
sale for less.
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| Shoppers check out boats at the yard sale. |
“Our two tents, which
were bigger than ever, and the schoolhouse, were totally packed with some great
donations this year,” Helfgott said. “Lots of people were able to find some
real bargains on the yard sale tables.”
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| Bargain hunters in the old Orr's Island Schoolhouse |
Over the years, the
event has grown from a modest fundraising idea which raised about $350 in 1993
to a highly anticipated community event which has provided thousands of dollars
to help equip and train members of islands’ fire and rescue squads.
Fire Chief Walter
Johnson said some of the money raised this year will go toward new back-up
cameras for the department’s trucks and help pay some of the costs for
state-required improvements to the station and equipment.
“The money we make
helps us keep up with all the rising costs,” Johnson said. “We really
appreciate everyone’s support.”
Johnson and Helfgott also
thanked the many volunteers needed to put on the event.
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| Auctioneer Malcolm McFarland at work. |
Volunteers have already
begun working on next year’s auction and sale, which is scheduled for August 13
and 14, 2016, including collecting donations, which are accepted year-round.
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| Buyers at the yard sale |
For more information
about OBIFD, volunteering, or contributing, please visit the department's web
site at www.obifd.org or call
207-833-5405.