Berks Book Bonanza Distributes $80,000 from July Sale

From Berks Book Bonanza

Berks Book Bonanza organizers have calculated the totals from the latest sale and plan to distribute $40,000 to each of the two sponsoring organizations following the highly successful fundraiser in July. The $80,000 exceeded initial expectations, and the board of directors couldn’t be happier.

“We didn’t know what to expect being in a new location, but shoppers showed up in full force,” said Book Bonanza Vice-President Judy Ellsworth.

The July sale was the first five-day operation held at Book Bonanza’s new home in the County of Berks South Campus building. While the sale has always been a popular event for county residents and those from beyond state lines, sale organizers had one lingering thought: Could they expect the same enthusiastic turnout?

But the sheer magnitude of attendees on opening day assuaged most concerns.

“We had people lined up on the sidewalk down the length of the building,” Ellsworth noted of the first day. “We were so busy; I don’t think I caught my breath until an hour before closing.”

Shopper excitement continued over the other sale days with thousands turning out to secure great bargains and support two local non-profits. The Friends of Berks County Public Libraries and the local branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) have assisted with the sale for decades, and each receives an equal distribution of money raised from the annual sale.

Each organization, in turn, distributes those funds back into the community through direct aid to public libraries in Berks County and by providing scholarships to local women seeking higher education.

“Local community members donate gently-used materials that outfit the sale, shoppers walk away with great deals and provide a second life to the donated items, and money generated from the sale goes back into the community,” said Ellsworth. “It’s cyclical in a way, and only made possible by the volunteers that give their time and energy to this worthwhile cause.”

Organizers aren’t waiting long to capitalize on this year’s success. Berks Book Bonanza will begin accepting donations for the next sale on Mondays and Tuesdays, from Sept. 8 to Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon, with the exception of Monday holidays. Collections will resume in the spring with expanded hours.

The post Berks Book Bonanza Distributes $80,000 from July Sale appeared first on BCTV.

Source: bctv