The organizers of this year’s Panorama Patio Sale live just two houses away from each other. Over the months of preparation, Ernesta Ballard and Carol Thomas have gotten in the habit of asking, ‘What will happen today?’
“There’s always something interesting,” says Ballard. “This event takes true delegation. No one person could do it all, so we trust that everyone is going to accomplish their goal, whether it’s making sure a pick-up truck is available or that security people are trained. We spend all year planning, recruiting and training volunteers.”
The Patio Sale will be held on July 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and if it’s true to form, over 500 people will be lined up at the gate waiting to get in. The annual event is like a garage sale on steroids, with an entire acre of items ranging from tools and appliances to craft materials and office supplies. “If it’s useful, we have it,” says Ballard.
The items sold come from the 1,200 Panorama residents. Some are downsizing or have moved into homes with more possessions than they could use. In other cases, Panorama volunteers support families of residents who have passed away by helping them with the daunting task of removing personal items from the home. Families can leave behind items as a donation and the Benevolent Fund will take care of the rest. “It’s a huge service we provide to families,” says Ballard.
Repeat customers know that they’ll be able to find a wide range of items, she says. These include but are not limited to tools, lamps, linens, houseware, baking implements, crystal, china, toys, furniture of all types, flags, wall art, sewing, knitting and craft supplies, office supplies, luggage, pet supplies and books – lots of them.
This year’s event will include some new features. The layout will be different, with both the Encore Furniture and Books facility and the Stiles-Beach Barn open for business with a shuttle running between the two. Due to the enormous amount of inventory, the organizers decided to spread out and give more visibility to items like jewelry and sewing supplies. They also added an Arts Walk. “It’s a chance to present things in their best light,” says Ballard. “It gives shoppers a better chance to see what we have.”
The new layout means additional volunteers for both parking and security, adding to an already gargantuan effort. Over 500 residents volunteer each year, and an additional 200 come from off campus. “We have a very large cadre of wonderful people,” says Ballard. “Some are 70 years old and some are 90. Some will work one two-hour shift and others will work all week or even all year.” It takes nearly three days to set up for the event, which occupies almost an acre.
Aside from the vast array of items on sale, visitors can also enjoy coffee, donuts and hot dogs. “We have the best hot dogs in the world,” says Ballard. While many customers return every year, there are always some new faces. “We have one day that’s just for residents, employees, and the contractors who’ve worked on our site,” she explains. “From outside campus, we get a lot of families who are moving into the area or are expanding their homes. Some are looking for a student desk or school supplies.”
Proceeds from the sale support the Panorama Benevolent Fund, a non-profit lifestyle enrichment organization for the residents. In the past, the funds have been used to get every resident an emergency pendant and create the electronic infrastructure to support the system. They also pay for a small staff of social service partners that engages with seniors on issues of importance to them, says Ballard “We have a financial assistance program for residents who outlive their income. The fund is really about things that enhance the quality of life here for everybody.”
This is her fifth year as a volunteer, but the first time she has stepped in as co-chair. Previously, residents Jo Love Beach and Diane Stiles organized the sale. These two women led the sale for thirteen years, growing it to the community event that it is today. The sale, in turn, has helped grow the Benevolent Fund tremendously, with a trickle down positive impact on the entire Panorama community. They’re still involved, says Ballard but have retired from leadership roles. “The Stiles-Beach Barn is named after these two wonderful women,” she explains.
Volunteering has helped to ease the pain of losing her husband a year and a half ago. “In a time of grief, being part of a larger group and being greeted and comforted transcends any kind of loneliness you might have,” she says. “For me, it’s very satisfying being associated with friends and neighbors who are also in retirement. There’s nothing leisurely about our lifestyle. Everyone here is actively engaged in one thing or another.”
The event is a vehicle for energy, imagination and determination, she maintains. “It’s amazing how much good will my fellow volunteers bring every day. They show up, sort things, create displays, accept setbacks together and congratulate each other on successes. It’s neighbors helping neighbors and it’s a privilege to work with these people.”
For more information, visit the Patio Sale event Facebook page. Call 360-456-0111 with questions.
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