KINGSTON, R.I. – June 23, 2011 – Despite some rain, the eighth annual Rhody the Ram Charity Yard Sale had another successful year, raising 20 percent more funds than in 2010. The fundraiser, which raised nearly $3,500, benefits local charities, and the Rhody the Ram Endowment, a scholarship fund for students who serve as the University of Rhode Island’s mascot.

The yard sale earned $600 more than last year, with a $300 increase in the pre-sale.

“Think big. We did,” said co-coordinator Gerri Beagle, human resources and business manager of the URI Foundation. “All in all it was a good day – lots of people, lots of bargains. After the rain came, it was stuff a bag for $3 so lots of people even though they got wet, went home with lots of bargains.”

Community members were encouraged to set up their own tables at the yard sale for a fee of $25 each. The yard sale raised $500 from this component alone.

A food drive held three weeks prior to the yard sale collected 1,500 pounds of food, a 300-pound increase from last year. The food, along with 29 large bags of summer clothing, was donated to the Jonnycake Center.

Several large bags of blankets and towels were donated to the Exeter Animal Shelter.

All remaining items after the yard sale were donated to Big Sisters of Rhode Island.

Pictured above

Standing: Cynthia Burke ( helmet) Donna St Andre(bike), Cindy Roy(friend), Mary Brennan(Recycle Coordinator), Linda Connell (Physics), Mary Anne Sumner,(Library), Anita Burke (Comm & Marketing), Sue Smith (friend), Flavia Alves (Pharmacy).

Sitting: Gerri Beagle(URIFdn), Nancy Hawksley (retired)

Photo by Selena Millard for the South County Independent