'Ellen's Excellent Sale' continues to expand
When Ellen Wildman and her family held a garage sale three years ago to raise money and awareness for Lazarus House, a St. Charles homeless shelter, she had no idea how large it would grow.
The fourth annual Ellen's Excellent Sale has received broad community support and so many donations that her family had to ask permission to close the street in front of their Geneva home.
"I just thought it was going to be a one-time thing," recalled Ellen, now 13 and entering eighth grade at Geneva Middle School South. "But there was so much support from the community, we said 'We can't stop.' "
Ellen was inspired after a family visit to the shelter to help out.
The first sale raised $1,800. The next garnered $2,600 and last year's landed $4,600.
Organizers hope to top $5,000 this year. They also want to sign up at least 10 people to volunteer at the shelter.
"In the long run, that will benefit Lazarus House more than the money," said Ellen's mom, Amy.
Lazarus House announced the sale in its newsletter, prompting 34 Tri-Cities families to donate items.
Geneva businesses also chipped in. Ace Hardware lent tables to display items; Pepperidge Farm donated bagels and other treats for volunteers; Geneva Dry Cleaners provided hangers for clothes.
City officials granted the Wildmans' request to close part of the road in front of 1110 Union St. because there simply was so much stuff.
The sale runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Donations are no longer being accepted.
Amy Wildman joked that the charity event was turning into something resembling a "barn sale" because of its growing size.
"We have so many people giving donations, it's a little overwhelming," she said. "The whole community has been awesome."
Items include garage sale staples like books, clothes and sporting equipment. But someone dropped off a nearly new trampoline and an antique dresser.
Last year, an autographed jersey from White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was donated for a raffle.
Wildman's husband, Mike, also worked with a connection in advance for autographed memorabilia from Chicago Bears receiver Bernard Berrian and Chicago Cubs great Ron Santo that will be raffled off.
Raffle tickets are $2 each or three for $5. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. Saturday and do not have to be present.
Even Ellen's 16-year-old brother, Zack, contributes by staffing the popular bake sale.
Last year, 22 pans of brownies sold out. This time, Ellen and others baked 30.
"It's exciting to see people excited to help out," she said.