Bargain Basket’s 45th Anniversary

In 2020, the Bargain Basket celebrates 45 years of serving the local community. The celebration began Friday, February 21st with a two-day 45% off everything sale at the Bargain Basket. 

On Sunday, February 23rd, over 500 people gathered closely in the United Church of Marco Island (UCMI) sanctuary. Bargain Basket and United Church Outreach Manager, Samantha Arago, spoke on the many ways the Bargain Basket gives to the community and why she is grateful for the support of volunteers, shoppers, and donors. “When I hear the stories some of our long time volunteers tell—stories of fun, of incredible kindness and generosity, and stories of friendship—I cannot help but smile and be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Bargain Basket and the many wonderful ways it serves the community.” 

In continuation, the 2019 UCMI Missions Committee Chair, John Campbell, once again thanked the volunteers, donors, and shoppers that made it possible for the Bargain Basket to provide over $200,000 to 29 different organizations in 2019, including a donation to bring the Vietnam Wall to Marco. 

Former Bargain Basket Manager, Cheryl Axelson, and longtime Bargain Basket Volunteer, Byron Farrell, shared the history of the Bargain Basket. The two shared fun and meaningful stories of the Bargain Basket past, reminding us all that the Bargain Basket began from the trunk of a car and no one ever imagined that it would be as successful as it is today. And for the first time in 24 straight years of entertaining us, Fannie Frugal shared her faith in her true humorous form. Of course, she was the best dressed—sporting a dress made entirely of lint found in the dryer vent. It’s true, she’s the Bargain Basket’s biggest competitor, but they just can’t get enough of her! 

Pastor Mark closed the worship with a sermon titled, “The Islanders’ Unusual Kindness,” a fitting sermon preached to a group of Islanders who go out of their way to be unusually kind by blessing the small church-owned thrift store with their time and incredibly valuable donations. 

Following worship, all were invited to attend a lunch in Disseler Hall, wonderfully catered by Prestige Catering. 15 lucky guests took home raffle prizes and attendees gathered around poster boards and books full of pictures, news articles, and history, carefully collected over 45 years. Guests took home reusable Bargain Basket shopping bags that they looked forward to filling in the days ahead. These poster boards are currently on display at the Bargain Basket and the reusable shopping bags can be purchased for just $1.