Treasures in the Trunk Event Experiences Good Sales

It was a good morning at the San Marco Catholic Church for treasure hunters—and the folks selling treasures from their trunks, but Saturday’s Treasures in the Trunk event featured fewer sellers than usual. 

“We had about half of our usual number,” said Barbara DeRosa, the event’s organizer. “Although the ones who are here tell me they’re doing well. They’re making a lot of good sales. The Columbiettes‘ bake sale is almost sold out. 

“We like to raise money with Thanksgiving coming up,” DeRosa said. “We donate meals to the needy for the holidays. We always hope to do well right before Thanksgiving so we have enough to spread around.” 

The Marco Island Shell Club had an inviting display of shell creations. 

“We’re here with a sampling of what we have for sale,” said Shell Club President Cindy Wesolowski. “The proceeds of what we sell provides scholarships to students locally and at FGCU to learn about marine biology and environmental sciences to make our oceans available to everybody for years to come. About 50% of our shells are collected on Marco Beach. We get a lot of donations from people who have been collecting for lots of years, people who are downsizing.”

While Wesolowski said sales were good, she’s looking forward to two big shows the shell club is busy preparing for. “This is a preview for our big shows on November 27 and December 4.” To find out more about the shell club, go to www.marcoshellclub.com. 

Another popular vendor was Sharon McLaughlin, who sells beautiful Marco Island and Naples scenes that are silk–screened onto tea towels, aprons and pillows. She had a group of ladies fawning over her beautiful designs. 

“I have an artist, Thomas Vieth, who lives in France,” McLaughlin said. “I send him my ideas and he sends me back phenomenal sketches to be hand silk–screened. This year, I needed a COVID project, so I started sewing these aprons out of my tea towels. They’re so popular, I can’t even keep them in stock. I’m almost sold out of aprons.” 

You can pick up Sharon’s creations on the island at Sandpiper, Marco Island Florist, Marco Island Historical Museum and the Hideaway Pro Shop. 

Maybe you can fill up your trunk with treasures and get involved in the next Treasures in the Trunk event, scheduled for February 20.