Super Sunday Holiday Sale Will Benefit Three Local Charities

Holiday bargain-hunters will converge upon the Springfield YMCA this Sunday at 10 am, as the local Moms Club kicks off its annual Super Charity Sale.

Until 2 pm, more than twenty vendors will span the full-size gym with products ranging from jeans to jewelry. Each will donate a product to the event's silent auction, and 10 percent of their proceeds to three local charities: The Strong Kids Campaign, Springfield H.O.P.E. and the Springfield Free Public Library. 

The Mom's Club has accomplished a lot this year, and its taken a long road to get there.

Original Moms Club member, Cheryl Greenwald, said the club has grown from five members to about 35.  "I thought it was a great idea to make social connections for myself and my children," said Greenwald, now a mom of three.

"I think it's only gotten better since the beginning," she said. "The club now offers many more events and activities for our children and is therefore a stronger unit."

And last year's vendor sale is proof that there is strength in numbers. The event more than tripled in size and profit since the first sale four years ago, which was in the founder's living room.

Members hope that moving this year's sale to a Sunday, instead of a weekday, will boost that profit even more. Ten-percent of proceeds, and all of the silent auction money, get divided between the three charities.

"We pick our charities based on local need," said current Club President Robin Cornelison. "It's such a great feeling to help people who are so inspiring to our town."

The Club supports the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign year-round. According to the Y's Web site, the charity supports community children in need by providing "safe places, caring and trained staff, and programs that teach life skills." 

"The YMCA has given us so much support, and we're proud to be able to give something back," said Cornelison.

Springfield H.O.P.E (Helping Other People Endure) was created by retired Springfield Firefighter Tom Ernst. Its goal, according to their Web site, is  "to enable residents, businesses and visitors in town to help individuals and families cope with extraordinary circumstances or simply just get by throughout the year, not only during the holiday season."

"We chose to support Springfield H.O.P.E. because it is the essence of what this town is about...helping others," said Cornelison.

And the Springfield Free Public Library  was an obvious choice of charity, according to Cornelison , because it is such a "wonderful, free resource for all of our children who love going there."

She added: "They provide so much that we wanted to provide something for them."  Last year's donation from the sale helped pay for the Library's fish tank.

The club shows support for its members and vendors who live locally, giving many an opportunity year after year to turn a profit.

Sherri Fishman, owner of All Star Princess accessories and keepsake gifts, is a former club member who sells at the sale every year. "The sale is a perfect opportunity for local vendors to expose their business to the community while generating money for three great causes," Fishman said.

Fishman coordinates the vendors to help make the sale a success. "We have lots of great vendors and we're hoping for a big turnout this year."

Club members also pay personal visits to local merchants, asking for donations for a big silent auction that last year, made a good chunk of the profit. "Business owners are so generous to us. Our auction items are overflowing with great items and we have them to thank," said Cornelison. Starbucks, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Trader Joe's are just a few of the local businesses donating auction items, which range in value from $20 to $150.

Springfield-based Computer Diagnostic Services is donating a PC Tune-up valued at $79.99. Owner Ryan Lafazan (ryanbasement@yahoo.com) said it's an opportunity to both reach out to the community and help a great cause. 

Dr. Gary Hecht, owner of Hecht Chiropractic in Springfield, is donating two tickets to an NBA Basketball game for the auction. Cornelison said Dr. Hecht is always a "big supporter."

Club members spend three to four months planning the events, with volunteers at every corner. "Members are responsible for everything from set up to clean up and everything in between," said Cornelison. "We're there on sale day to make it run smoothly for the vendors and the customers."

Some other items/services for sale will be: name brand jeans (Rock and Republic, Seven for All Mankind, True Religion) at discount prices, Big Buddha Bags, Pam's Pieces (your child's artwork made into jewelry), Sweet Samantha baked goods, Oven to Table cook-ware, Pampered Chef, Discovery Toys, Just Name It gift baskets, Silpada Jewelry, Whole Foods, Essentially Chocolate, Massages by Kerri Bacall and Arbonne skin products.

The Super Holiday Sale is this Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 am to 2 pm, at the Springfield YMCA, 100 South Springfield Avenue, Springfield.