Thrifting for a Reason: Azura Memory Care City-Wide Thrift Sale

Tom Giffey

Looking for deals on gently used, vintage, and antique items while helping a vital cause? Then check out the Azura Memory Care City-Wide Thrift Sale on Friday, Aug. 3rd, 2018.

Over the past 11 years, the sale – which this time around will be held at 3504 Oakwood Mall Drive, a few doors down from Monk’s Restaurant – has raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. This year’s goal is to raise a record-setting $18,000, says Paula Gibson, regional director of communications and engagement for Azura Memory Care. All proceeds will go toward a $10,000 match by Holiday Vacations, which means that every dollar you spend will have its impact doubled!

From 8am to 6pm on Aug. 3, shoppers can browse through everything from home décor to clothing, small furniture and outdoor equipment, kids toys and clothing, and much more. Gibson created the sale 11 years ago shortly after her father was diagnosed with dementia and she began working for Azura, which operates facilities across Wisconsin for people with memory loss. Then, as now, she was seeking to make an impact on this debilitating and deadly disease.

What began in Gibson’s garage during the first year grew to hundreds of shoppers (and a trampled yard) in its second year and to an off-site location by its third year. Now the annual sale draws donated items from about 200 families, enlists 50 volunteers, and attracts thousands of shoppers.

Items in the thrift sale aren’t priced, which means shoppers can pay whatever they feel is appropriate for what they buy. (Gibson says some shoppers leave with truckloads of goods while others will pay $20 for a single book.)

All proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association, which provides care and support for those facing the disease as well as funds medical research. Alzheimer’s, Gibson notes, is the only one of the Top 10 causes of death in the United States that has no treatment or cure. What better reason is there to shop?

Azura Memory Care City-Wide Thrift Sale • Sale: Friday, Aug. 3, 8am-6pm • Donation drop-off: Aug. 1-2, 8am-6pm • 3504 Oakwood Mall Drive, Eau Claire

Vintage Wares is sponsored by:

Hope Bargain Center
2511 Moholt Drive
(off Clairemont Ave, West Side)
Eau Claire

Vintage Wares is sponsored by:

Hope Bargain Center
2511 Moholt Drive
(off Clairemont Ave, West Side)
Eau Claire