FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE
March 31, 2011
Contact: Vickie Bogan
(662) 425-7909
vab@muw.edu

Rummage sale for Humane Society new building fund continues on April 2

COLUMBUS, Miss – Thanks to the community’s support, a rummage sale sponsored by Mississippi University for Women’s Office of Community Service and the Columbus Lowndes Humane Society was a success, prompting a second event scheduled for Saturday, April 2.

Karen Johnwick, executive director of the Humane Society, said. “It was a great turnout. We made a little over $2000, and I believe we can raise that much more if we do it again. I hope we sell most of the stuff, so that we do not have to pack it up again.”

The rummage sale will be held from 8 a.m. to noon in the same location as the first at 1601 Hwy. 45 North--next door to Miller’s OK Tire Store, Inc.

Last Saturday, tables were packed with merchandise including shoes, clothes, picture frames, dishes, collectibles and more.

“The items are selling fast. This table was full this morning and we had to restock it,” said one of the rummage sale volunteers.

Despite the overcast, the attitudes of the participants and atmosphere were pleasant.

“The prices are great and the items are well organized. The Humane Society is doing a great job at finding a way to fund a new building,” said Annette Barhart, semi-retired secretary for an architecture company in Starkville and a volunteer for Homeward Bound.

MUW student Matthew Ward, who is majoring in history and English, said, “I enjoyed volunteering today at the rummage sale very much. It was a chance for me to interact with people I know and enjoy their company, as well as meet new individuals, all while supporting a cause I strongly support.” 

Proceeds from the rummage sale will go toward the shelter’s new building fund.

For additional information, contact Johnwick at (662) 327-3107, (662) 245-1100, email kjohnwick@yahoo.com or visit the Humane Society website at www.clhumamesociety.org.

The volunteers were from different MUW departments and other organizations, such as Coldwell Banker.  They were involved with getting the items organized and set up for the rummage sale location with positive attitudes.

“I think that the rummage sale is for a great cause and people did more than just donate.  It’s more like a community effort,” said Sequitha LeFlore, senior, major BSN nursing.

“The MUW volunteers were OUTSTANDING -- great attitudes,” said Rebecca Goodell, military specialist of Coldwell Banker West Realty Company.

There volunteers were glad to be a part of a combined effort of the community for such an important cause.

“I enjoyed volunteering today at the rummage sale very much.  It was a chance for me to interact with people I know and enjoy their company, as well as meet new individuals, all while supporting a cause I strongly support, the Humane Society.  A yard/rummage/garage sale is a part of our culture which I enjoy.  It’s a melding of people and paraphernalia in one location which encourages us all to support each other, not to mention, it’s a great place to pick up some interesting items,” said Matthew Ward, junior double major History/English.

“The rummage sale was an excellent opportunity to blend MUW and the Community alike in a common goal that will benefit Columbus.  There was an amazing turnout, and I think that just goes to show the wonderful things we can do when we work together.  Through service, we grow not only as people, but as community members, and I’m excited to see the great things we can create and shape together with one purpose,” added Brandon Newsome, senior, double major Psychology/Chemistry.

There were people from out of town who attended the rummage sale as well, and understands the importance of saving a dollar.

“It was a great!  I was out and I saw the rummage sale.  I went to Wal-Mart and bought this same dish for $14.00.  It is a great cause,” said Ron Monroe of Texas, head of the Furniture 4 less liquidation sale.

Look forward to a variety of fundraisers by the Humane Society and members of the community in the future to maintain a state of the art Humane Society facility.

“I do plan on continued fundraisers after we get a new facility.  This is something every shelter needs to do.  One for awareness to the community and one to make a little extra money to help with improvements,” added Johnwick.

For additional information contact Karen Johnwick, Executive Director of the Humane Society at (662) 327-3107, (662) 245-1100, email at kjohnwick@yahoo.com or the Humane Society website at www.clhumanesociety.org/.