Bargain hunters look for treasures among piles of clothing, furnishings, toys, antiques and collectibles at the first “Whale of a Sale” held at Rumson Country Day School in 1970. The rummage sale is an annual tradition that raises funds for tuition assistance. COURTESY OF RUMSON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL RUMSON — One weekend a year, community members gather by the hundreds to rummage through a gymnasium packed wall to wall with clothing, antiques, furniture and other sought-after collectibles.
“It’s like a huge garage sale,” said Jennifer Mullins, event chairwoman.
For the weekend, Blake Gymnasium at Rumson Country Day School (RCDS) transforms into a treasure chest of gently used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing; sporting goods; toys; books; kitchenware; and other homeware items — all available at reasonable prices.
This year, the 46th annual Rummage Sale fundraiser at RCDS, more popularly referred to as “A Whale of a Sale,” takes place 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. April 18 and 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. April 19.
“It’s one of the school’s biggest events of the year, and it is great seeing a community come together for a good cause,” said Jen Crowell, parent council president.
According to Crowell, all proceeds from the event go toward the school’s financial aid program, which provides tuition assistance for some of the 435 students enrolled at RCDS.
“Typically we raise somewhere between $60,000 and $70,000 for the financial aid program,” she said.
Mullins said it is not only raising money for the financial aid program.
“The community also really benefits,” she said.
For the sale, faculty members, students, parents and alumni alike work together collecting, sorting and displaying the thousands of donated items throughout the gymnasium.
“Depending on how many children they may have in the school, during the sale parents work shifts of about three to four hours per child,” Mullins said.
Crowell said this year, as part of a new raffle, students have been asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy for the sale.
“Then they’ll be in a raffle for some prizes like a pizza party,” she said.
Crowell said attendees also have a chance to participate in the silent auction to be held April 18, with items to bid on such as furniture, crystal, antiques and other unusual items.
“One year, we had a boat up for auction. We had an organ. We even put one of the smaller RCDS vans up for auction, which someone now uses as part of a delivery service. … It’s exciting to see what happens,” she said.
Another popular event at the sale is “Bag Day,” this year on April 19, when attendees can fill a $15 bag provided by the school with as many rummage sale items as they wish for the set price.
“I love ‘Bag Day’ and seeing everyone walking around with their bags packed as much as they could be,” Mullins said.
“It feels so good when you know you are helping those who really need it.”
As an alumnus of RCDS, Crowell said going to the sale on the Friday before it officially opens was a fun experience.
“It was one of the most exciting things,” she said.
Mullins echoed Crowell’s words.
“I loved returning to the sale as an alumnus. … I went back to the sale and got furniture for my apartment after college,” she said.
“This community is great and really comes together to make this event such a success.”