Spring cleaning goes bonkers on Bainbridge Island

A unique event described as the world’s largest 10-hour auction and rummage sale, now in its 47th year, is expected to raise $360,000 and attract over 20,000 people to Woodward Middle School, 9125 Sportsman Club Rd., on Bainbridge Island Sat., June 28.

Because the event involves silent and live auctions, the event is called The Rotary Auction; but its main attraction is a rummage sale featuring donated furniture, clothes, toys, books, bikes, boats, cars, and a multitude of other items that soon become someone else’s treasures, helping to raise $360,000 - most of which goes to worthy causes. These causes have included building the library, pool and parks on the island.

Also recognized as a major recycling project, The Rotary Auction involves 1,600 volunteers and covers 10 acres with donated items priced to sell to shoppers from Seattle, Kitsap County, and neighboring states. Volunteers undergo training and are treated to a dinner several weeks before sale day. At the dinner, signs identify the 33 work area categories, and these groups welcome the recruits who will work with them on sale day.

“When rummage sale day arrives, 4,000 people are pressed against the starting line, waiting for the National Anthem to play at 8 a.m. sharp, and then they are off to the bargains,” said Joanne Ellis, president of the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island. “It’s a sight that you’ll never see anywhere else,” she said.

Many bargain-hunters attend a preview the night before, in conjunction with a live and silent auction held at the school. This gives them a chance to scope out the merchandise they want most, so they can make a run for it the next morning.

After 2 p.m. on sale day, all unsold items are hauled away by 14 nonprofit groups including Nike (old athletic shoes), Clear Path International (medical equipment), Books to Prisoners (pocket books), and Good Will.

Visit www.BainbridgeIslandRotary.org for information on the event, parking, transportation, and an online auction featuring items donated by merchants.