For the first time in 11 years, Bargain Fair made more money than the year before, instead of less. Let's make that a trend that continues. 

That was my one main goal that guided me when I stepped in as Bargain Fair chairman this year. It was exciting to take over the helm of Charity League's major fundraiser, but disheartening to imagine myself in the pattern of loss. 

From 1982 to 1997, Bargain Fair revenue went steadily up from $12,624.69 to $32,043.59. From there it took a sharp dip, losing thousands of dollars a year each year. 

If that trend continued, we only would have made about $12,000 this year – so little, for so much effort. 

My co-chair Deirdre Moyer and I had three plans to drive up Bargain Fair revenues: increase attendance at the Preview Party; increase merchandise (and service to sustainers) by picking up donations all year long, instead of just the summer; and advertise in Spanish. 

The exciting success, though, came not through those measures but through the Treasures Department, Masha Edelen and Diane Sawyer, who instituted a well-received and profitable silent auction. The silent auction took in $1,202 and a related raffle made $145. 

Amazingly, Masha and Diane came up with the idea only two days before Bargain Fair. On Thursday, they hit the streets to see what donations they could come up with for it. They collected eighteen items for the silent auction and eight for the raffle. (A big hit was a pair of Elton John concert tickets donated by Masha's company, HD Web Studio.) 

On a whim and in two days -- $1,347 – 11% of Bargain Fair profit. Wow. 

Treasures, then, played an important role in the Preview Party, which took in $4,877. Saturday Bargain Fair sales earned us $9,892.95. 

Bargain Fair Saturday resembles one huge yard sale with two noted characteristics: (1) the opening rush as people compete for the top deals and (2) the lurking around for hoped-for reductions or bag sales at end of the sale. 

Advertising in Spanish brought in a large number of Spanish-speaking shoppers on Saturday. Spanish signs were posted in laundry mats, shopping centers and Hispanic stores. Spanish-speakers came in a steady stream during the middle-morning hours, instead of clogging the opening rush and hovering for the bag sales at the end. 

Apart from my own sustainers' items, I picked up 19 pick-up loads of donations throughout the year. I thought it would make a big difference in profit, but I was wrong. Following the trend, we still made less on Saturday than in previous years. (Our success just came through Preview Party.) Maybe prices are too low; maybe the merchandise isn't as good as in years past; or maybe the general public just isn't spending like they used to. 

Increasing attendance at Preview Party seemed to be the best bet. We had to bid a sad farewell to the days of Preview Party as mainly a cocktail party and social. Now it must really make us money, too. By allowing three guests per member instead of one, we've broken out of the mold of mainly husbands and have opened it up (hopefully) to people likely to spend money: friends needing particular items, or children or grandchildren or employees just starting out on their own or on a low budget needing deals. 

Another change in Bargain Fair 2008 was behind the scenes: The creation of a consistent, usable and dependable source of Bargain Fair information. A large black notebook has been holding BF papers and reports for years, and it was well updated by Pam Van Nutt in 2006. I've created an electronic version of files, also. Every pertinent paper, from worksheets for all members to notes just for the chair, was sent both to the co-chair and to the Charity League e-mail as attachments, to be accessible to all Charity League members at any time. 

Deirdre Moyer has worked diligently and dependably on Bargain Fair this year, and she will lead our tradition competently into our 41st sale next year. Reviving Bargain Fair and increasing its revenues is a big concern of hers too, and I will assist her in anything she needs when she takes over. She and I both look forward to your suggestions. Please contact me at hkozelsky@gmail.com or (919) 548-9748 or Deirdre at dmoyer@healthycommunitymhc.org or (336) 613-1548. 

Also, we will continue to pick up sustainers' donations throughout the year (think of us after your Christmas clean-out!). Sustainers, please contact your actives whenever you have donations to be picked up. Actives, any donations you pick up between now and June may be stored in the warehouse and priced in marking parties. I will be happy to pick up donations from any of your friends not associated with Charity League. 

Thank you to all the sustainers and the companies who had donated their items to this year’s Bargain Fair:
AC Furniture Co, Inc.
Arts Etc. and Café
As Is Outlet
Bassett Country Club
Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.
Bassett Mirror Co.
Binding Time Café
Cool Knobs and Pulls
Cselect
Daily Grind
de Spot
Draper & Ferrell
Elegant Design
Fred Martin Associates
Furniture Crafters of Virginia, Inc.
HD Web Studio
Hooker Furniture Corporation
Indulgence Day Spa & Salon
Lester Building Supply
Martha's
Martinizing Dry Cleaners
Martinsville Speedway
Pieces
S&K Office Products
Sechrist Food Systems
Shenandoah Furniture, Inc.
Stanley Furniture Co., Inc.
Tasty Creme Donuts
Town Police Supply
Virginia Mirror Company
Virginia Museum of Natural History 


Familiar Sight: Bargain Fair shoppers are gathered early before the official opening.


There was no shortage of shoppers this year – familiar faces and some new, most everyone walked out with a purchase.


At Bargain Fair there is something for everyone - young shopper is buying a snack at the Baked Goods Stand.