2015 WHITE ELEPHANT SALE RAISES RECORD $2.15 MILLION
(OAKLAND, CA)—The Bay Area’s biggest and best rummage sale raised an unprecedented $2.15 million, setting a new record at the 56th annual White Elephant Sale held on March 7 and 8, 2015. Organized and presented by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board, proceeds from the Sale benefit the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA).
“The 56th annual White Elephant Sale was an incredible success,” said President of the Oakland Museum Women’s Board Rose Jellison. “This is the first year that we have topped $2 million in sales, and these results speak volumes about the contributions of our generous donors and the hard work and tireless dedication of our remarkable volunteers. We also are incredibly grateful to the shoppers, including many who loyally return each year, as well as many who attended for the first time in 2015. The White Elephant Sale truly is a legendary Oakland event, and all these individuals make everything we do for the Oakland Museum of California and the community possible.”
“The White Elephant Sale provides the single largest source of private support for the Museum, particularly during this historic year as the Sale total topped $2 million,” said OMCA Director and CEO Lori Fogarty. “We are indebted to the Oakland Museum Women’s Board for their decades-long leadership of his event, and thank the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time and the thousands of shoppers who not only get a great bargain, but are helping make the Museum a great resource for the entire Bay Area community and beyond. Anyone who has attended a White Elephant Sale knows that it is an extraordinary expression of volunteer effort, and the $2.15 million raised this year is truly a reflection of the community coming together to support OMCA exhibitions, education and public programs, and care of our collection. We couldn’t be more delighted and honored by the success of this year’s event and extend our deepest thanks to the Women’s Board.”
With the annual White Elephant Sale scheduled to return to the Bay Area on March 5 & 6, 2016, work on next year’s event has already begun. Made possible by donations from the public, the White Elephant Sale accepts donations of gently used, good quality items year round. To donate, a van is available for free pick up by calling 510-839-5919. For more donor information—including a list of items that cannot be accepted—visit the website at WhiteElephantSale.org.
ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM WOMEN’S BOARD
The Oakland Museum Women’s Board, a dedicated group of more than 100 year-round volunteers, has contributed over $20 million to support Museum acquisitions, exhibitions, educational programs, and capital improvements and more since 1959. The White Elephant Sale is the primary fundraising event of the Oakland Museum Women’s Board. Held annually during the first weekend in March, The White Elephant Sale attracts a corps of over 1,000 volunteers from around the Bay Area. For more information, including details of the 2015 Sale, visit WhiteElephantSale.org.
ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) brings together collections of art, history, and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. OMCA’s groundbreaking exhibits tell the many stories that comprise California with many voices, often drawing on first-person accounts by people who have shaped California’s cultural heritage. Visitors are invited to actively participate in the Museum as they learn about the natural, artistic and social forces that affect the state and investigate their own role in both its history and its future. With more than 1.9 million objects, OMCA is a leading cultural institution of the Bay Area and a resource for the research and understanding of California’s dynamic cultural and environmental heritage.
MUSEUM VISITOR INFORMATION
Museum admission is $15 general; $10 seniors and students with valid ID, $6 youth ages 9 to 17, and free for Members and children 8 and under. OMCA offers onsite underground parking and is conveniently located one block from the Lake Merritt BART station, on the corner of 10th Street and Oak Street. The accessibility ramp is located at the new 1000 Oak Street main entrance. museumca.org
* * *
For more information and visuals, please contact Claudia Leung: 510-318-8459 or [email protected]