MARYSVILLE The Jubie family has called an end to the annual fall yard sale that has raised more than $100,000 for the Marysville Community Food Bank over the last four years.
Members of the local clan of benefactors presented the food bank with checks totaling $33,256.85 for this years fall rummage sale, the fifth and final Gail Jubie Memorial Yard Sale. Gail Jubie was a Marysville woman murdered by an intruder in 2001; she loved yards sales and the food bank so her siblings founded the annual event in her memory as a combination of charity and therapy.
Now the family members say they will focus their efforts in a new direction, yet to be determined. The sale took a huge effort from more than two dozen family members and volunteers and relied on donations of goods from the community as well as proceeds from the sale. Weather and logistics were becoming a problem just as more revenue started to come in from cash donations after the event. Only $8,000 of this years handle came through the cash registers, according to Phil Jubie. That meant a lot of hard work for diminishing returns. Last year the sale faced huge wind and rain squalls that threatened to upset the large tents sheltering the yard sale wares; the November sale was moved up two months to September this fall and still faced similar challenges. The Jubies vow to continue the effort in a different venue, but say they havent figured out what direction to pursue.
The Jubies were honored by the Marysville Community Food Bank at their Nov. 16 board meeting for raising $105,756.85 over the last four years.
We thank you, said Mike Mulligan, board chairman, standing in the food banks Spartan warehouse on 64th Street. You guys are one of our most valuable assets in providing food and money at the most crucial time of the year. You guys give us a presence and you advertise for us.
Believe me, Ive gotten much more out of this than Ive given to the community, Phil Jubie said.
The sale became signature event for the Marysville area after the family wanted to do something positive in Gails memory. Putting her killer behind bars didnt heal the ache in their hearts, and since Gail was a yard-sale addict they felt it would keep her memory alive to hold on in her name. The food bank was a natural beneficiary because Gail Jubie was a bargain hunter who would always double up on a good deal, donating the extra purchase to the food bank.
The sale attracted huge crowds each year; the three-day event would open with masses of shoppers waiting in line on opening day. The family worked sale at both ends, soliciting donations of goods from the community; from books and knick knacks to bedroom sets and antiques. After cataloging and pricing the goods they would staff the sale, often with rain coming down sideways.
I think last year I stood in six inches of water, said Marge Martin, Gails sister. She wasnt exaggerating; the 2005 sale took the brunt of a fall downpour, prompting the September sale this year. Even that put a burden on folks who admit they are not getting any younger.
It is just a physical toll, Martin explained, noting that more than three times the amount of yard sale proceeds came in through the mail after the event.
The sale brought family members together; the clan sees more of their younger generation than ever since their parents died.
Doing this has really allowed us to see what their strengths are, Martin said.
The Marysville Community Food Bank will be constructing a new, larger distribution center on the grounds of St. Marys Catholic Church on 88th Street NE later this year and still needs donations of food or cash. Anyone wishing to help can contact them at 6518 60th Drive NE, Marysville, WA 98270, or by phone at 360-658-1054.