Annual ABC Sale coming soon
Methodist church fundraiser supports local ministries

By Sherrie Norris

Twice each year, once in the spring and again in the fall, Boone United Methodist Church sponsors fundraising events that are attended by people who come from near and far to find their missing treasures.

As they do this same time every year, the United Methodist Women, led by Ruby Havener, are sponsoring their annual two-day extravaganza known by all as the Attic Basement and Closet (ABC) Sale on Friday, May 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon. A silent auction will be held during the day on Friday only, ending at 5 p.m.

From one year to the next, the UMW, which includes seven “circles” of women in the church, are working to make each ABC Sale as good as or even better than the last, if possible.

A spokesperson said, “We always have a large selection of clothing items and footwear for the entire family, as well as a specialty section of higher quality items than you might usually find at a rummage or yard sale.”
There will also be a large variety of household items available – linens, towels, pictures, luggage, etc. Unlike the church-wide Fall Bazaar in September, there will be no large items, furniture, etc. But there will be small counter-top and hand-held appliances, computers and accessories, CDs, etc. “There will be a special selection of books – cookbooks, children’s books, etc. and of course, lots of toys,” the spokesperson said.

This event started in the mid-1980s and has benefited many non-profit agencies in the area throughout the years.

“All the money we raise goes to local missions here in Watauga County,” said UMW member Lillian Danner, who has been involved with the sale since 1992. “We fund scholarships each year and make donations to Habitat for Humanity, the Hunger and Health Coalition, OASIS, the Western Youth Network, Watauga County Public Library and others.”

Danner added, “There are always some very interesting items available at the sale, and we always have a good response to the silent auction, which includes many nice things.”

On behalf of the UMW, Danner invites the public to attend this year’s ABC Sale at Boone United Methodist Church, located at 471 New Market Blvd. in Boone, Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17. For more information, contact the church office at (828) 264-6090.