Ellen’s sale indeed was excellent

I cannot believe the eighth and final “Ellen’s Excellent Sale” has already come and gone. I stand amazed that together we raised $10,200 for Lazarus House. The support from the community these past eight years has been overwhelming. I love to see everyone get excited about serving others and the Lord.

More than 80 volunteers worked extremely hard and had a little — OK a lot — of fun. We blocked off the street again this year and the sale was complete with raffle items, lemonade shake-ups, face painting and 60 pans of brownies.

I would like to thank the community for being so amazing. When my dad named the sale, “Ellen’s Excellent Sale,” we just thought it was a clever title, but I now realize I was selfish in taking the credit. All I do at the sale is talk and play cashier. The community is really what makes our sale happen. All the volunteers are incredible. They work tirelessly, even when I’m tired. I am so privileged to have such amazing people in my life.

To those of you who came to the sale to support Lazarus House I can’t thank you enough. Without customers, we wouldn’t make any money. Even if you don’t buy anything it makes us so happy when someone just comes up and says, “Job well done,” or “Way to go.” That’s what the sale is all about. People getting excited to serve. Sure, the money is great, but awareness is better.

Although the opportunity to be involved with the sale may be over, why not get involved at Lazarus House? The St. Charles shelter is open 24/7. You could help your neighbors in need by volunteering your time and/or resources. So reach out and get involved. It could change your life — I know it changed mine.

Ellen Wildman

Geneva