March 10, 2010
It’s big. It’s green. It’s coming to the Benson-Ames Alliance this May.
The Benson-Ames Alliance will host its first ever Big Green Garage Sale Saturday, May 22. All those who live, work and play in the alliance area – residents, neighborhood groups, schools, churches and other organizations – are encouraged to have a garage sale on that date. Those who do so will be able to advertise their individual sales on www.biggreengaragesale.com free of charge. They also will receive a reusable garage sale sign to help draw street and sidewalk traffic to their event.
“With spring around the corner, we wanted to do something that supports our sustainable philosophy and is easy for any interested individual or group to participate in,” said Lisa Dale, chair of the Benson-Ames Alliance Steering Council and principal at Benson High School. The alliance, a grassroots group of community leaders formed in 2005 to help guide the revitalization of the Benson-Ames area, is striving to become a sustainable community that actively seeks a balance between its built and natural environments. Roughly six miles in size, it’s bound by Western Avenue on the south, Sorensen Parkway on the north, Saddle Creek Road/Fontenelle Boulevard on the east and 72nd Street on the west.
The event’s web site will launch April 17, the date of the city’s Earth Day celebration. Dale said the alliance will encourage all those who participate to donate a certain percentage of their proceeds to a local nonprofit or cause, green or otherwise. “Neighborhood associations often struggle with small budgets, so that’s one of many options that sale holders could consider,” she noted.
In addition to reducing what ends up in the landfill and raising a bit of money for good causes, the event is also an opportunity to welcome newcomers to the area. “The Benson-Ames Alliance has a lot to offer – great schools and green spaces, affordable housing, easy access to transit and downtown, opportunities for business redevelopment and expansion, and a growing arts and entertainment district with a true Main Street,” Dale said.
Those who come in search of bargains May 22 can also stop by the Benson Farmers Market at the intersection of 62nd and Maple in downtown Benson. The market runs from 8:00am to noon each Saturday through the fall.
For more information about the event, call 402.554.4010 or visit www.biggreengaragesale.com.