Not Your Average Rummage Sale

Apple’s release of the first Macintosh, Mary Lou Retton’s victory in the women’s all-around gymnastics, Daniel LaRusso’s iconic “Crane Kick” in the debut of The Karate Kid, and Hulk Hogan’s triumph over The Iron Sheik to win his first WWF Championship — the year was 1984, and it delivered some unforgettable moments. Let’s add one more to that legendary list: GBMC HealthCare’s annual turkey giveaway. That’s right — the mystery is solved! Our tradition began in 1984, thanks to former president and CEO Bob Kowal. A big thank-you to Sharon Miller, former executive assistant to the CEO, for uncovering this piece of history, and to Mr. Kowal for creating a tradition that has stood the test of time! 

Now, onto another even longer standing (but equally unique) tradition: GBMC’s Nearly New Sale. For more than 60 years, this volunteer-led consignment event has brought people together to raise funds to enhance care for our patients.

This isn’t your typical rummage sale. Step inside and you’ll find everything from designer clothing and fine jewelry to children’s toys, artwork, home decor, and the crowd favorite... items in the "Curiosity Corner" that defy description but delight just the same.

What is remarkable to me is that everything is donated. Every dress, painting, knickknack, and novelty item has been generously given by members of our community. That means every dollar raised (more than $300,000 annually in recent years) goes directly to support patient care. Proceeds from past sales have helped fund the NICU, the Center for Neurology, the Gilchrist Kids Endowment Fund, and a state-of-the-art surgical simulation lab for clinical training.

At its surface, the Nearly New Sale is a fundraiser. But, behind the scenes, it’s a full-scale community mobilization. It takes months of planning and the support of 60 to 70 dedicated volunteers to make it all possible... people who sort, stage, sell, and then swiftly reset the entire warehouse to get ready for the next sale in six months. I had the chance to tour the sale with Carmen Baeza, our Senior Director of Volunteer and Retail Services, and I was blown away by the scale of the operation and by the energy and heart behind it.

As Carmen shared with me, the sale actually predates GBMC. It started in 1955, organized by the Women’s Committee of the Hospital for the Women of Maryland. Back then, the first sale raised just under $500. Today, it raises hundreds of thousands and draws lines of shoppers that start forming hours before the doors open on the first public day. For some, it’s even become a family affair, with generations of family members coming in to experience the sale together.

The truth is, the Nearly New Sale is a labor of love and a true gift from one part of the community to another. It is a way to clean out your closet while helping improve care at your local hospital. And from what I’ve seen, it brings people a lot of joy.

The fall sale just wrapped up, and what a success it’s been! We hit a record-breaking $180,000 in sales. Thank you to Carmen, Leanne Bittner (our volunteer services coordinator), and every single volunteer and donor who gave their time and treasures to make this event possible. Your work doesn’t just make the sale happen: it makes our care better.

And, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!