Yard sale lends green to minority party in Mullica

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The items were on sale at a multi-family yard sale the group held Saturday on Elwood Road to raise funds for the upcoming election.

And immediately upon arrival - by the hot dog cart with a flat tire operating under a canopy and the used clothing scattered on the ground - it was clear this was not the typical political fundraiser.

"We've had fundraisers at (area restaurants), but this gives us an opportunity to raise money and get out to mingle with people at the same time," said Keep Mullica Green President Deneen St. Amour, adding the group also has a "house party" fundraiser scheduled. "I think grass-roots efforts like this really suit Mullica Township."

St. Amour's husband, Democratic Township Committeeman Michael St. Amour, said Keep Mullica Green's candidates - who usually run as Democrats - traditionally do not have the same fundraising capabilities of candidates supported by the local Republican club.

"We do not accept large donations because we do not want to be beholden to any one person," said Michael St. Amour, adding the largest donation the group typically accepts is $250. "So we have to do our best with the small donations we get here and there."

Members of Keep Mullica Green said the Township Committee was dominated by Republicans for years until St. Amour and Committeeman Bernard Graebener were elected in 2007 to join then-Democrat William Kennedy on the committee. Kennedy has since changed his affiliation to Republican, giving that party a 3-2 advantage again.

Keep Mullica Green held its first yard sale in 2007. That year the fundraiser earned about $300 for St. Amour and Graebener, but they were still seemingly outearned.

"We don't know how much (the Republicans raised), but I can tell you that their signs were bigger than ours and that they had more of them," Graebener said.

This year's yard sale brought in more than $500, Graebener said.

All of the proceeds will go to the candidates, and all of the unsold items will reportedly be donated to Goodwill.

"Not only is this a good fundraiser for us, the repurposing of these items fits into our goal of protecting the environment," Deneen St. Amour said. "If they weren't getting sold today, they would probably be getting sent to a landfill."

E-mail Robert Spahr: RSpahr@pressofac.com