Karin’s Causes’ 14th Annual Estate Sale

April 14, 2021 – Sarasota

Since 2014, Karin’s Causes, an estate sale founded by collector and hobbyist Karin Gustafson, has raised valuable funds for area nonprofits. The three-day event features items collected by Gustafson, along with distinctive donations from special friends and donors. The event is known for its carefully curated items that feature the rare and beautiful, and items of historic and decorative interest, many with collectible appeal and value. This year’s sale includes more than 1,000 pieces of jewelry, original artwork, folk and ethnic art, china and crystal tableware and decorative items, rare books and first editions, timepieces and globes, and many other collectibles. All funds raised will be directed to the Animal Rescue Coalition, the New College Foundation’s scholarship fund, and Women’s Resource Center. This event begins with a special preview, Thursday, May 13, 5-7 p.m. (A $15 donation is requested.) The event continues, free and open to the public, Friday, May 15, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Women’s Resource Center, 340 South Tuttle Avenue, in Sarasota. For more information, call Karin Gustafson at 941-720-4021 or email karinscauses@comcast.net. The event will be inside; guests are required to wear masks and to observe social distancing. 

According to Gustafson, more than $114,000 has been raised since the founding of the event, with 100 percent of proceeds donated to local nonprofits. In addition to raising vitally needed funds, the event meets Gustafson’s goal of “connecting people to these valuable organizations via items they love.”

Gustafson works throughout the year, collecting and preparing for the sale. She scouts out treasures, including rare books, museum-quality art, fine collectibles, prized memorabilia and jewelry. Gustafson, who served as the president of the Y Foundation for more than two decades, says that she’s able to do this every year with support from a group of 26 volunteers and her leadership team, including Rebecca Goldthwaite, who coordinates research and marketing. The popular sale is attended by dealers, collectors and weekend garage/estate sale enthusiasts, all of whom look forward to its eclectic array of carefully curated selections and attractive prices. The sale has also attracted to its causes new donors, resulting in large post-sale gifts for the nonprofits. 

Gustafson says this year’s event is dedicated to “Larry Hietbrink and his wife Nola, who have been beloved supporters, volunteering countless hours and items for us. Larry recently lost his brave battle with Parkinson’s. It is our honor to donate 100 percent of our spring sale proceeds in his memory.”

For more information about Karen’s Cause, call 941-720-4021.