From RAGS to riches

As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

With that in mind, local Rotarians are kicking off the eighth annual Rotary Annual Garage Sale this Saturday, April 21, providing many less-fortunate families with treasures they can afford.

The event is from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Pavilion and the Van Zee building.

“It’s a pretty big event,” said Greg Rogers, RAGS event chairman and South Kitsap Rotarian. “It’s amazing to see it all come together.”

The event is put on by five local Rotary clubs: Silverdale Sunrise, Silverdale Noon, Bremerton, East Bremerton and South Kitsap. Taking donations of items from across the county to sell at bargain prices, money raised from the RAGS event gets distributed evenly between the five Rotary clubs. Rogers said the money is turned back into the community through Rotary projects and scholarships.

“Literally, all the money we earn goes back into the community,” he added. “This event has gotten so big, it’s outgrown the Pavilion.”

Due to the constant growth of the event, this is the first year that RAGS will take up both the Pavilion and the Van Zee building. Along with clothing and bedding items, the sale also will include paintings, books, housewares, gardening tools, workout equipment, televisions and computers. Furniture and electronic items will be located in the Van Zee building whereas other items for sale will be located in the Pavilion. Refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers will be located in the parking lot between the two buildings.

“Rotary is all about helping people,” said Jack Hamilton, Silverdale Noon Rotarian.

Along with the sale of hundreds of items, Rogers said there also will be a silent auction from 8 to 11 a.m. using high-end items that have been donated. There also will be a raffle with prizes including a pair of watches from Ben Bridge Jewelers, two cash prizes and a $100 gift certificate from Galaxy Limousine. Tickets are available for $1 at the event. Raffle drawings will occur periodically throughout the day.

“I really enjoy (RAGS),” said Silverdale Sunrise Rotarian Kathy Dorey. “My favorite part is Saturday when all the folks show up to buy their things.”

Rogers said items that are left after the sale are donated to local charity locations.

“(RAGS) makes me proud to be a Rotarian,” Rogers added. “It’s a nice feeling that you’re able to help people out.”

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