A $1,000 (Longaberger) Basket Case…

Evey year I get like this. We’re three weeks out, and I start to worry about the MV Big Flea.

Will we have enough stuff to sell? (The warehouse looks a little empty to me.) Will we reach our fundraising goal? (We still have $11K to go.) Will it rain on April 30th?

In other words, I’m basket case.

But baskets seem to be our business lately. 95 Longaberger baskets, to be precise. That’s what we recently received as a donation; I was shocked to see how much they sell for on Ebay!

So that’s exactly where we’ve listed our collection for sale . Is $1,000 for 95 baskets a pipe dream? Stay tuned (and thank you to our generous donor, who remains nameless).

Remember, this Saturday is one of our last Shop N Drop days. Stop and unload a few items, or browse through our marvelous merchandise and buy a few things you don’t need. We’re located at 719 N Saint Asaph Street in Old Town and open from 2-4pm.  All the cool kids are doing it!

Saturday’s Haul Breaks Record!

Last Saturday was rocking at the at the Big Flea Shop N Drop. Our store manager Cynthia Webster reports record sales and strong donations. You can see a small fraction of our items below.

Even with all this support, we still need donations! Our goal is to raise $17,000 so far we’re at $6,250. If we’re going to reach it, we need furniture, household items, sporting equipment and kids gear. And plenty of it.

To donate your items, please visit our Shop N Drop location any Saturday in April from 2-4pm. We’re located at 719 N St. Asaph Street near Trader Joe’s. We’ll also pick up your stuff, just contact Cynthia Webster at websterbigflea@gmail.com.

New Neighbors Donate Canoe and Kayak!

Someone will be paddling in style, thanks to the generous donation of an Old Town canoe and a kayak to the Mount Vernon Community School PTA’s Big Flea. The donation comes from a family whose only tie to MVCS is a desire to help a local school.

Cathy Burke and her husband Kevin moved to Alexandria only in September, relocating from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Their two children, now in college, attended public schools. “We believe in the value of public education to local communities and society in general,” says Cathy.

When their children were younger, the Burkes often brought the watercraft with them on family camping trips along the Schuykill River in Valley Forge National Historic Park. Cathy says she and her husband and kids had fun times with their canoe and kayak, but that they hadn’t used them in more than a year. “Seeing them idle in the garage was often a bittersweet reminder of how quickly our children grew up.”

The Burkes decided to donate the canoe and kayak to a worthy cause, but first they had to choose a charity. They first learned of the Big Flea when their neighbor’s house was being used as a drop-off point for donations. But it wasn’t until later that Cathy noticed a Big Flea announcement on a neighborhood listserv, offering pickups for large donations.

She thought about her old canoe and kayak. She liked the idea of helping her neighborhood school, and she loved the convenience of simply e-mailing websterbigflea@gmail.com to arrange for someone to pick up her items. She had found her worthy cause.

The sale of the Burkes’ canoe and kayak, along with other Big Flea proceeds, will allow the MVCS PTA to continue supporting student field trips, after-school clubs, classroom projects, and other school activities.

“We’re glad we could help to supplement and enrich the programs at the local elementary school in our new neighborhood” by donating the items, says Burke. “We hope that the new owner enjoys using them as much as we did.”

Schedule a Big Flea Van Pickup Today!

Have a pile of junque?  Then schedule a Big Flea Van pickup!  Contact Cynthia Webster at websterbigflea@gmail.com.

Check Out These Legs!!!

OK, so the headline is pretty much a gag.  I mean table legs, of course (what a dirty mind you have). The MV Big Flea has been collecting a TON of furniture over the last few weeks, some of it pictured below.  Click on the “For Sale” sign at left for more deals!

Come by our Shop N Drop store this and every Saturday in March and April.  We’re open from 2-4pm on Saturday and located at 719 N St Asaph Street in Old Town.  And just remember, Shop N Drop means you can drop off donations AND buy some stuff you don’t need.  We can also PICK UP your junque! To schedule a pickup, please contact our Curator Cynthia Webster at websterbigflea@gmail.com.

See you on Saturday!

We Sold a Rare CD Single for $300!!!

The MV Big Flea is happy to report that is has sold a rare promotional CD single for $300.  The CD single was donated by Mount Vernon Community School Parents Mike and Paige Grainger.

The CD single is by  Pearl Jam and was released in 1992 before they hit the big time.  The CD was produced in extremely small quantities and is considered extremely rare by collectors of the band’s material.

It was sold to a Pearl Jam collector in the United Kingdom who stated that he was “exceptionally keen to add this to my collection.”  Click here to see the buyer’s extensive collection of Pearl Jam material.

I am wondering how Mike and Paige are going to react to this sale.  My guess is that they had no idea that a rare CD was lurking among the 350 compact discs they generously donated to the Big Flea.  Also included in the lot was a rare promotional disc by the band XTC that we are currently selling on eBay.

What do you have lurking about in your attic??  Even if you think it’s junk, please consider donating it to the MV Big Flea and helping to fund education and enrichment programs for Alexandria city public school students.

$10 Raffle Ticket Can Win You a Classic Convertible!

Now’s your chance to win a fantastic classic 1986 VW Cabriolet convertible!  Received as a donation, the MV Big Flea has decided to raffle off this treasure for $10 a ticket, or 3 tickets for $25!  It’s a great opportunity for a student to win a great car “on the cheap” or for a family to obtain a fun car to drive around town.

The VW Cabriolet was purchased in Alexandria and has had just two owners.  It has been meticulously maintained at Yates Automotive in Del Ray and is in excellent mechanical condition for it’s age.  The car has approximately 125,000 miles and has a 5-speed transmission.  And it’s FUN to drive!

Tickets will be available for purchase every Saturday from 2-4pm at the MV Big Flea Shop and Drop located at 719 N St. Asaph Street in Old Town.  For more details, or to purchase tickets, please contact VP of Moneygrubbing Kim Winters at kimberly.winters@verizon.net.

What have you got to lose???

Big Flea Starts Collecting on November 13th!

Don’t even think of tossing anything out before the holidays!

Alexandria’s most popular fundraiser is gearing up for another successful run and we need your junque!  Last year, we collected a tractor-trailer of treasures and raised $25,665 for the education programs of Mount Vernon Community School PTA.

We’re gearing up for the 2011 Big Flea, which will be held on April 30th.  We will hold two “Shop N Drop” days in 2010: Saturday, November 13 and December 11.

They’re a perfect time to clear clutter and nail down a final 2010 tax break (all donations are tax deductible).  Click here for a 2011 schedule and other important information about this year’s event (suitable for framing).

To donate on November 13, please bring your items to 114 E Raymond Ave (b/w Mt. Vernon and Dewitt Avenues, at the back of the Suntrust Bank parking lot).  We will hold additional “Shop N Drop” days in Jan-Feb and every Saturday in March and April!  Click here for our 2011 schedule of important dates and FAQs.

“The 2010 Big Flea exceeded all our expectations,” said Big Flea wordsmith Joseph LaMountain.  “We crushed all our fundraising records and had a record volunteer and shopper turnout.  I’m looking forward to another fantastic event in 2011, but we’ll need your help to make it a success.”

For more information about donating, or scheduling a pickup, contact Cynthia Webster at websterbigflea@gmail.com.  Thank you for your support!  Now let’s get the bug!!!

This Man Wants Your Books!!!

Thom Downing c. 1975

Every week we talk about the great items donated to the MV Big Flea.  But we rarely mention books.  And there’s a reason for that.

For the second year, the Friends of Duncan Library will host their annual spring book sale on April 24th, the same day as the MV Big Flea.  In addition to books, there will be prizes, amazing food PLUS entertainment for kids.  And not just any entertainment….we have the The Great Zucchini!

Best of all, the Book Sale & Kids Extravaganza will take place next to the MV Big Flea in the parking lot of Duncan Library at 2501 Commonwealth Avenue in Alexandria.

To make the sale a success we need books.  Lots of them!  According to event organizer Thom Downing, the annual sale is one of the library’s primary fundraising events.  “The more books we collect,” Thom said, “the more programs and activities we can deliver throughout the year.”

Book donations are being accepted any time at Duncan Library.  In addition to supporting the library, you receive a tax deduction for your donation AND you will be entered in a drawing to win a $20 gift certificate from Hard Times Cafe!  Please note we are unable to accept pre-2005 textbooks, damaged or extremely worn books, encyclopedias, catalogs or periodicals.

Have questions? Tom’s got answers!  Please contact him at iuthom1@aol.com.

We Heart the Elands!

This is what I absolutely love about the MV Big Flea.

On Saturday, Bridget and Shawn Eland stopped by to see if we would accept a couple shelving units. They heard about the Flea from coworker Barbara Fox, who donated some nice furniture a few weeks ago. Since Bridget and Shawn live across the street, they decided to donate to our worthy cause.

And did they ever donate. It turns out that Shawn and Bridget are moving back to Wisconsin and they had an apartment of items to give us. In addition to 6 shelving units, they donated a leather-style club chair with ottoman, two more ottomans, a swish leather-style sofa (as seen in photo), a desk and two barstools and more!!!

Best of all, they were all in perfect condition! Bridget even insisted on wiping them down before taking them to the Flea Shoppe!  Now that’s what I call taking care of your things!

Many thanks to Bridget and Shawn for their very generous donation, as well as to Barbara Fox for sending them our way. Please spread the word and help us collect even more great items for our huge event on April 24th!

A Message from….Leigh and Leslie Keno!!!

The Antiques Roadshow is coming to Washington, DC this summer and we couldn’t be more excited.  We’ve always loved the nation’s capital and we’re looking forward to uncovering some big treasures.

We just learned about the MV Big Flea from a colleague in PBS’s Washington, DC office.  It’s a giant yard sale bazaar that benefits the local Mount Vernon Community School.

Last year the organizers sold a rare Audubon Quadruped print from the 1860s.  All told, they’ve raised nearly $50,000 for public school students.

We really encourage all Antiques Roadshow fans, and everyone else, to support this great local event.  You can donate your furniture and other family treasures to this good cause.  And make sure to attend the Big Flea on April 24th.

Who knows, maybe you’ll find something that we can appraise when we return later this summer.

My Giant Iron Rooster (and $6,000)

The MV Big Flea had another strong day of donations and sales yesterday.  We sold $415 worth or merchandise at our “store” (1219 First Street, Alexandria), bringing the total amount we’ve raised to $6,000!

We also received a ton of great donations.  Among my favorites?  A beautiful antique sideboard, a sideboard and hutch, foosball table, high-end Graco baby stroller, artwork, a 37-piece set of handmade Mexican dishware, small appliances, electronics, toys and games, garden gear and more, more, more!

But my personal favorite is the cast iron rooster.  But Mimi and the girls have already said, “no way, Jose.”

So many people dropped by yesterday, it’s hard to keep track of who was there.  Lori Ludwig donated for the third straight week while Susan and Doug Rutherford made their second stop.  Jeff Asch and Azeb Kifle, Justin Wilson and Alex Crawford Batt, Kim Winters and Beth Temple were just a few who gave generously yesterday.

We’ll be open next Saturday, March 27, for another day of donations and sales.  Please come visit us at 1219 and be sure to bring some items to donate, not to mention cash for some goodies you can’t live without!

Some Awsome Donations…

The MV Big Flea Store was open today from 2-4pm.  Not only did we receive some great donations, we made more than $400 in sales!

This brings our 2010 total to nearly $5,000 so far.  Let’s keep up the great work.

The Big Flea Store is located at 1219 First Street, behind the Route 1 McDonald’s near Braddock Road Metro Station.  We’re open for business from 2-4pm every Saturday until April 16.

Come on over and make a donation and/or browse our wares.  And make sure to tell your friends!

I think our nicest donation today was a circa 1870 American chest of drawers in fantastic condition .  We also received a pair of near-new Trek hybrid bicycles, electronics, children’s furniture, games, and yes, three Christmas trees.

Many thanks to everyone who dropped off, picked up, volunteered or spent their hard earned cash!

Here are some photos of items we received today….

My Sweet Cans…FOR SALE

In the 1970s there was a beer can collecting craze and as a red-blooded American boy, I got hooked.

So did my fellow MV Community School parent Doug Rutherford.   And despite the greatest of odds, about 125 cans from those once-majestic collections have followed us into adulthood.

But now we’re done and the wives are rejoicing and the thought of them leaving our homes.  The two collections have been combined into one, and are now ready for release into the hands of a new generation.

Let’s be honest.  While this is a great collection, they’re not really worth a lot of dinero.  But we just know that there’s a guy out there who needs to decorate his man cave, or kid who will catch the bug like we dd 30 years ago.

There are about 125 cans, half of which are foreign and half from the United States.  Most are from late 70s or early 80s.  They’re dusty, a few are dinged up and others have humidity spots.  But in general they’re in pretty nice shape.

If you’re interested, please contact Joseph LaMountain at joseph.lamountain@gmail.com and make me an offer i can’t refuse.

Check Out My Junk

Here are just a few of the items we collected at yesterday’s inaugural 2010 Big Flea Donation Day.  About 12 people came by with car trunks filled with goodies.  In addition to some nice furniture, we scored a sweet brand new adult bicycle, household items, electronics, and more.   So far we’ve raised $2,143 for the 2008 event.  Please contact Cynthia Webster to make a donation.