Karin’s Causes’ Annual Estate Sale Earns $15,000 for Three Area Nonprofits

June 23, 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 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 three-day event, in May, was attended by more than 500 dealers, collectors and weekend garage/estate sale enthusiasts and raised $15,500 for three area nonprofits: the Animal Rescue Coalition, New College Foundation’s scholarship fund, and Women’s Resource Center.

“It was wonderful to see a return of our loyal shoppers and new buyers, many of whom are loyal followers of our three nonprofits,” says Gustafson. She adds that, while no date has been set for 2022, she hopes to host a winter sale. 

According to Gustafson, nearly $130,000 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 important 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 and originated the concept for this sale. 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 was 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.