KINGSTON, R.I. – May 31, 2013 — The University of Rhode Island’s 10th annual Rhody the Ram Yard Sale will be held Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In the event of heavy rain, the sale will be held on Sunday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event is tied to a massive collection of food, clothing and household items that occurs at the end of each spring semester as students move out of their residence halls. Dedicated volunteers from the campus and South Kingstown communities collect the items. In the past 5 years, the food drive collections have resulted in more than 8,000 pounds of food donated to local charities. Already this year, three vanloads of food and clothing have been turned over to the Jonnycake Center in South Kingstown.
Other items are sold at the big yard sale June 8 in the URI Keaney parking lot. All proceeds go to the Rhody the Ram endowment, which provides scholarships to URI students who play the role of the Rhody mascot during the year. As the yard sale enters its 10th year, the endowment has more than $40,000. It is the only form of support given to the student mascots, who spend countless hours annually at campus and alumni events, athletic contests, and community functions. Recipients must be at least a sophomore and in good academic standing.
“Along with helping the community through our support of the Jonnycake Center, we are raising much needed money for student scholarships. Financial aid for hard working students is a critical need at URI. Plus, Rhody the Ram is a major symbol of the University, beloved by students, faculty, and the general public. We also hope that our charity work reminds young people to be less wasteful and to be willing to share excess food and clothing with others,” said Gerri Beagle, human resources manager for the URI Foundation. Beagle started the Rhody the Ram Yard Sale 10 years ago and still serves as its coordinator.
URI staff and faculty, as well as community members still have time to donate at the drop off on Friday, June 7 in Keaney parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Or they can sell their own treasures by renting a space. Last year there were 25 additional vendors selling jewelry, crafts, handbags and other items. The cost to rent a table is $25. For more information or to reserve your space, please call, Gerri Beagle 401-874-2460.