Tanya Milton, JLS Advisory Board; Sally Akins; Tanya McCormick; Tammy Ray, former Junior League president. The Junior League of Savannah recently held its 61st Annual Thrift Sale, its largest annual fundraiser to support its community projects. This year's event surpassed the League's fundraising records to date, bringing in $133,418.

"We are thrilled with the outcome from this year's Thrift Sale," said Chairperson Kris Edenfield. "Community support for this year's event was incredible and as a result, the Junior League is poised to contribute more funding than ever to important projects that assist women and families in need throughout the low country."

Over 200 people turned out for the Preview Cocktail Party and Auction, where fabulous items including an original painting by artist Kiril Jeliazkov, a Tybee beach house getaway and a $1,000 Belk shopping spree were among the long list of exceptional items donated by close to one hundred local businesses to support the cause.

On the sale days, thrifty shoppers lined up as early as 5 a.m. to be the first ones through the door, racing to grab bagfuls of incredible bargains including designer rugs, furniture, baby clothes, crystal, china, housewares, toys and more. This year's Thrift Sale was the busiest ever, breaking records for both ticket and floor sales.

"The proceeds from this year's event will fund projects in 2009," Edenfield explained. "The funds from last year's event were allocated to community partners such as Habitat for Humanity, Oatland Island Education Center, Coastal Children's Advocacy Center and Union Mission, as well as going towards the League's Kid Who Care Scholarship Program."

"We are immensely appreciative of the support this community has shown to the League and our endeavors," Edenfield noted. "This event could not have been a success without the efforts of hundreds of League members and community partners, particularly our platinum sponsors, Publix Super Markets Charities, Levy Jewelers and SunTrust."

The funds raised from the 2008 Thrift Sale will go towards community funding that furthers the goal of advocacy for women and children in need throughout the Low Country, Coastal Empire and Golden Isles. Non-profit organizations whose missions align with this goal are encouraged to apply to the Junior League for funding consideration. Applications for 2009 Community Assistance Funding will be accepted through Nov. 15. For information, call the Junior League of Savannah Headquarters at (912) 790-1002 or visit www.jrleaguesavannah.org.