Next to the planes and luggage at the Gainesville Regional Airport on Saturday will be the greatest garage sale in Gainesville.
The fourth annual fundraiser, hosted by the airport for March of Dimes, will allow locals to buy and sell their household possessions on the southeast field of the airport property. This year, organizers hope to break their previous record and raise more than $28,000 for March of Dimes, a charity that raises money to help children born prematurely.
"They have a great operation here in town, so it’s wonderful to partner with them and give back to the community during their event," said Laura Aguiar, the airport’s manager of public relations and government affairs, adding that the event replaced a chili cook-off four years ago in order to attract more people.
The garage sale will last from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and all items are welcome — except homemade baked goods.
Aguiar estimated at least a few thousand people come every year.
As part of the fundraiser, individuals rent a spot of land to set up their garage sales for $15 or $20, depending on registration time.
While all proceeds from the rental fees will go to March of Dimes, individuals will be able to profit from the items they sell.
Tammy Dygert, the March of Dimes North Central Florida division operations coordinator, said she believes this fundraiser will be able to help the local community as well as people all over the U.S.
"(The money) is raised on the local level, and it helps everyone across the nation," Dygert said. "Even if there is a baby born in Wisconsin prematurely, they would be able to get the therapy that they need, so our cause is national. It’s not just the money raised here stays here, it helps people all over."
