WILLIAMSBURG — FISH, Inc. and William & Mary’s (W&M) Catholic Campus Ministry’s (CCM) October pop-up resale event is just around the corner.
The two-day fall event, called “The Costume Sale,” is slated to arrive at the Sadler Center on the following back-to-back dates/times:
- Wednesday, Oct. 19
- 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 20
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Proceeds benefit local nonprofit, FISH, which provides meals, clothing, houseware items, and even hygiene products to those in need within the Greater Williamsburg area. The organization does not have a paid staff and is run by over 60 volunteers that dedicate their time to making the day-to-day operations go smoothly. Last year, The Costume Sale has helped to raise over $5,000 to benefit the organization.
“FISH receives amazing donations, and they’re very well supplied, particularly with their clothing, but they often get things that are outside the needs of their clients,” said FISH Volunteer and event organizer Karen Berquist in a September interview with WYDaily. “So, when they receive outdated, maybe outrageous wear, maybe formalwear, kids and adult Halloween costumes, and things like that, they don’t have the room to keep them, and they don’t have a purpose to keep them.”
The resale event draws in many W&M students, locals, theater programs, and even people who are involved in vintage resale. Those searching for a unique item this fall might find what they’re looking for at this fundraising event.
FISH volunteer and event organizer, Karen Berquist has estimated that only about 20% of all the items on sale will actually be Halloween costumes. The other items that are included in the sale range from tuxedos, dance costumes, formalwear, furs, hats, international outfits from places like Scotland and Thailand, shoes, and even jewelry, amongst other items.
The fundraiser features more than 100 boxes of clothes, costumes, and other accessories — all priced to go. The event will also feature a blind bid that will include additional clothes and handcrafted items.
“For example, we have a hand-crafted tiara and a plated variety of cookies from a pastry chef,” said Berquist.
For those interested in donating to FISH, check out the organization’s official website, or you can pay a visit in-person at 312 Second St., Williamsburg.