“This is Our Happy Place.” A custom-made, wooden sign crafted by Meadowlark resident Steve Hall hangs at Meadowlark Market, and the words seem to aptly describe the feelings of those associated with the monthly fundraiser. Happy donors, happy customers, and happy volunteers have helped to create another successful year in terms of awareness of and funds raised for Meadowlark Foundation’s Good Samaritan Fund.

As 2023 comes to a close, revenue generated from 11 two-day sales (February through December), as well as sales by appointment all 12 months, totals nearly $89,400. Another expected sale next week should push this year's total past $90,000! A Christmas in July sale helped to bring in the biggest monthly total at about $10,210, with revenue in February, September, and October all surpassing $9000. The monthly sales are scheduled the last Friday and Saturday of the month unless a national holiday or another Meadowlark fundraising event provides a conflict. The Market is located at 120 N. Scenic Drive.

The high quality of donated furniture, home goods, collectibles, and jewelry offered at less-than-retail prices surely contributes to the Market’s popularity and higher sales totals. Most of the furniture offered to customers is actually made of wood, not particle board, and previously was owned by persons who strived to keep their dressers, tables, and chairs looking good for as long as possible. Volunteers frequently are amazed to see gorgeous antiques or 60-year-old vintage pieces that are wheeled off the delivery truck in nearly new condition. 

If a furniture item does arrive with a wobbly leg or a scratched edge, the aforementioned Hall and resident volunteer Vicky Auman tackle the issues, each with their own bags of supplies and tricks up their sleeves. Workers tasked with pricing the merchandise have learned to wait until Hall and Auman have worked their magic because the finished product usually will command a tag with a higher number.

Hall and Auman are two of 28 volunteers who worked with Becky Fitzgerald, Development Director, this year to prepare the inventory and/or assist customers when the shop is open. Volunteers are a mixture of residents, Passport members, community members, and K-State students. Eight of the year’s volunteers completed various tasks in the weeks between the sales, with four of those also joining the others who greet and assist customers on Market days. 

Jana Armfield, Meadowlark’s Engagement Specialist, tracks volunteer hours and reports that at least 1,244 hours of service were donated. 

“According to information found at independentsector.org, the national value of a volunteer is $31.80 per hour,” Armfield said. “That means Meadowlark volunteers have contributed $39,559.20 worth of their time to the Market.”

Obviously, the volunteers’ talents and their enthusiasm for their roles and the Market’s charitable mission contribute greatly to the Market’s success and sustainability. Positive feedback from customers support that statement. A message sent in November via the Market’s point of sale platform reads: Great cause to support! Great items! Wonderful volunteers! In October, a customer wrote: Love that this is available in Manhattan! Both customers gave the Market high marks for organization, environment, and timeliness.

While the majority of Market shoppers hail from Manhattan and nearby communities, the fundraiser also has attracted residents of Abilene, Council Grove, and the Kansas City area. The online selling and buying platform eBay has extended the Market’s reach even farther. Last year, a friend of Fitzgerald’s offered to list collectible or out-of-the ordinary items on eBay with the hope of attracting more interested buyers and selling such items at higher prices than could be realized at the Market. That practice continues. A World War II-era doll sold earlier this month for $200, $50 higher than the doll’s price when she sat on a Market shelf. 

The 15-inch Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps doll belonged to the late Ellie Brent and was donated to the Foundation by resident Ben Brent. “The story Ellie told me was that she was about 2 years old when her father was drafted and sent to Hawaii. While there, he bought Ellie this doll, probably at the PX, and shipped it home to Ellie.”

According to a message sent by the doll’s buyer, the doll is to be a Christmas present for her grandmother in Pennsylvania, who had a similar doll when she was a child. “I’m glad the doll sold for that much and that it’s going to someone who will really appreciate it,” Brent said.

Meadowlark Market returns in February of 2024; sale dates are Feb. 23 and 24. Staff and volunteers will work in January to pack and store unsold holiday items, sort and organize donations in storage, and prepare new inventory for display. The Market team appreciates the tremendous interest in and support of this fundraising effort, and asks their Meadowlark friends to please help spread the word about our shopping and saving opportunities. Market proceeds benefit the Good Samaritan Fund, which assists residents living in Meadowlark’s healthcare households who have outlived their financial resources.

If you would like to become a Market volunteer, please contact Jana Armfield at (785) 323-3890. If you have a possible donation item, large or small, please contact Becky Fitzgerald at (785) 323-3843.