A yard sale and pig roast Saturday afternoon raised an estimated $1,200 for the Invest in America’s Veterans Foundation.
There were eight tents set up at the event, with a wide variety of items for sale including furniture, knickknacks and clothing. Don Graf, vice president of the foundation, said shoppers could fill up a plastic grocery bag with clothing for $5.
“All the clothing you could staff into that one bag,” he said.
The foundation also offered larger bags to fill for $10, and shoppers who spent a minimum of $5 received a free pulled pork sandwich with sides and a free drink or beer. Food and beverages were also for sale for a few dollars.
The yard sale was scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We were busy all day,” he said.
According to Graf, a couple hundred people showed up for the event.
“We had an excellent turnout,” he said. “We did very well.”
Ralph Santillo, founder and president of the foundation, agreed.
“Besides the hard work, it was a fun day,” he said.
At least 20 volunteers helped out at the event.
“I think with these events that I get out of it most is the community coming together,” Santillo said.
He estimated that the foundation sold about 150 meals.
Items for the yard sale came out of the foundation’s thrift store.
“We have a lot of clothing that we gather in there,” Graf said. “It’s a way for us to empty out our shop and raise capital.”
The money raised Saturday will help provide food and services for local veterans, as well as cover the basic operational costs, such as utility bills.
“The money is going to all the things that help our veterans in every way that we can,” Graf said. “It also pays for the lights and everything to keep things moving here.”
A band, The Renaissance, performed live music during the day.
The Jones’ Joint provided beverages, while the foundation served up food.
“Every event that we do we try to help the local businesses,” Graf said.
The foundation is planning another yard sale later this month.