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Now in its 30th year, the Iowa Mennonite Relief Sale is organized annually by over 38 southeast Iowa Mennonite and Brethren in Christ Churches. Volunteers work year-round on the planning and people congregate from miles around on the days of the sale. The relief sale is a means of raising funds to support the worldwide relief program of the Mennonite Central Committee now in its 89th year of operation. From February through November 2009, 45 relief sales will take place in 23 US states and 5 Canadian provinces.
Your presence helps build the interest and enthusiasm which make this sale possible. Bring your family and friends to the sale. Leading off the festival attractions will be food and craft booths, a plant sale, children's activities, and four large auctions, including Iowa's largest quilt auction. More than 100 handmade quilts which will be on display and then sold. Also at auction will be antiques and collectibles, homemade oak and walnut furniture, in-home meals, and packaged beef and pork from area farms to stock your freezer, among many other items.
There are also intriguing gifts and home decor including jewelry, toys, musical instruments and holiday decorations handcrafted by skilled artisans. Your purchase benefits Third World artisans through Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit program of Mennonite Central Committee.
An array of foods will be available, including fresh strawberry pie, tacos, apple fritters, homemade bread, apple butter, homemade ice cream, pies, rolls, cookies, cheese curds, and much more. A dinner of smoked pork loin or marinated turkey breast will be served Friday evening and an all-you-can-eat breakfast Saturday morning.
Don't look for bargains. This is not a rummage sale. Your money helps the needy. Proceeds go to feed the hungry and meet human needs in more than 50 countries around the world through Mennonite Central Committee, the international relief organization of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches. MCC is ranked among the top 10 most effective U.S. charities by Money magazine. Last year the Iowa sale provided over $110,000 for MCC relief; Crowded Closet, a thrift shop; and service programs.
SCHEDULE
Friday, May 29
3 -9 p.m. - Food, craft & plant booths open
All auction items on display
4-7 p.m.- Marinated turkey breast or smoked pork loin dinner
6-7 p.m.- live music
7-8:30 p.m.- Auction of furniture, handmade items, in-home meals and more
7p.m. - Coffee House featuring various musicians
8:30 p.m.- live music
Saturday, May 30
7-11:00 a.m. - All-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage
7 a.m.-3 p.m. - Plant & craft booths open
9 a.m.-3 p.m. - Food booths open
9 a.m. - Quilt auction
9:30-10:30 a.m. - Special auction for children (kids age 5 - 12, with an adult or responsible party present)
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -General merchandise auction featuring furniture, handmade items, in-home meals and more
12:30 p.m.- Main auction of featured items
