Rummage Sale Returns for 51st Anniversary with Record Breaking Year

Rummage Event Chairs and families pose in front of Rummage sign

May 5 2023

The Rumson Country Day School's Annual Whale of a Sale, popularly known as Rummage, returned from a pandemic hiatus this April and proved to be a record-breaking success. The School’s longest running philanthropic event, Rummage benefits the surrounding community and local charities in addition to raising funds devoted to RCDS’s financial aid program. This year, approximately 2,300 shoppers browsed boutique treasures to household necessities for unlimited bargains resulting in over $70,000 raised for tuition assistance – a Rummage record.

Led by board member and event chair Meghann Marturano and RCDS’s Executive Parent Council President Liz Toolan, the Whale of a Sale is a true group effort that involves the entire RCDS community.

“Witnessing the community come together to pitch in and getting to know our shoppers, some of which have been joining us for over 20 years, has proven why this event has withstood the test of time,” said Parent Council President Liz Toolan.

For days prior to the sale, RCDS’s Blake Gymnasium was buzzing with parent volunteers who worked together to collect, organize, and display an impressive assortment of donated items. In the days to follow, lines of friends, family, and community members stretched down the block for the affordable shopping opportunity.

“The Four Pillars of our school - Kind, Honest, Responsible, and Respectful – were on full display during this event,” said board member and Rummage chair Meghann Marturano. “The impact that Rummage has on local families, our students, and the camaraderie between members of our community lasts far beyond sale weekend. Leading the charge of the revival of this time-honored tradition has been one of my proudest volunteer moments.”

Unsold items from the sale were donated to local non-profit organizations including the ASPCA, Goodwill, the Harbor School, Horizons Student Enrichment Program, Lunch Break, Monmouth County Day Care, Rally Cap Sports, Rising Treetops, and Soles for Souls.

“It was truly inspiring to see this event galvanize our community and to see so many local people and organizations benefit from the sale,” said RCDS Head of School Carson Smith. “I cannot remember being prouder to be a part of this community and thank all our volunteers for their contributions. I’m already looking forward to Rummage 2024.”