On the Town: Rummage sale shines up gilded treasures

“No strollers. No bathrooms. No ‘will-call’ for unpaid merchandise. All checks must be pre-approved. Paid purchases must be checked. Shopping carts may not leave the building. No exceptions.” So went the rules for the Pasadena Guild three-day rummage sale, held Oct. 19-21 in a 44,000 square foot warehouse. These guild gals mean business. Not wanting to miss out on the action, yours truly dropped by the Halstead Street location in Pasadena on Oct. 20.

This rummage sale, titled “Treasures & Trivia,” oozed class. Among the many items up for sale were community-donated couture fashions, designer shoes and gold jewelry, the real thing. And the prices couldn’t be beat. How about 40% off a gold necklace valued at $225. Do the math. That brings this dazzler to $135.

The beneficiary of this largesse is the guild’s charity, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The rummage sale was part of a trifecta of events involving a fashion show and luncheon, members’ dinner night, and the sale itself.

Chairwomen Julie Withers and Ludie Driscoll, from Pasadena, and San Marino resident Linda Stroud were responsible for the blood, sweat and tears these activities had to have cost guild members. Sustainers and non-active members came out of the woodwork to join the active ones in playing their part. And these women didn’t go to the expense of hiring a producer to put on the event, as many Pasadena fundraisers do. That would take money away from the hospital endowments guild members and their supporters generously contribute to through activities such as the sale.

Pasadena resident Connie Van Vorst played traffic cop in the changing room, ensuring that all tried-on clothing was put back on the racks. Another Pasadena resident, Catherine Krell, also helped keep the ensembles pristine. Both Van Vorst and Krell consider themselves part of the guild’s “old guard of rag ladies.” According to Krell, “We know the inventory.” Krell is a past president of the Pasadena Junior League, currently a League sustainer.

Lucy Crumrine modeled a fetching gray gown in the guild’s fashion show of rummage-sale clothing held earlier. For the rummage sale, she was head of accessories, a big job. The most popular merchandise in her department included designer shoes and handbags. Every time Crumrine put out one of the classy bags, it was snapped up by customers who knew a good thing when they saw it.

Those customers had more than shoes and bags in mind. Many made a beeline to the antiques, estate items, linens, sporting goods, household items, electronics, books, children’s clothing and holiday décor. Why go the Halloween pop-up stores when scary goods could be had for pennies on the dollar?

San Gabriel customers included Joan Panchuck and daughter Diana Panchuck. They were spotted at the entrance to the warehouse. “We’ve been coming here for years,” announced Joan.

Pasadena resident Eleanor Sparling headed to the racks of designer jackets. She was considering a beaded jacket for her sister. This was Sparling’s first time at the sale. She found news of it on-line when she was hunting for estate sales. “This is for a good cause. I’ll come back next year,” said Sparling.

The Pasadena Guild is celebrating its 65th year. Established in 1947, the guild has raised more than $25 million for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.