A “Cooperative” is more than the word implies; it is a coming together of unique and talented individuals, all of whom bring special qualities, viewpoints and skills to this great mix of human beings, who live in Holliday Park. It is a privilege to reside in a place where ideas abound, progress takes place, and each season offers new and interesting activities, and opportunities to interact with other members.

An excellent example of this “coming together of great minds” would be an  event that took months to plan, by as many as 10-12 people, and involved the combined efforts of nearly 150 people, to accomplish. Does this happening have a name, and was the outcome worth the effort? A unanimous YES, is the answer to both questions.

When the idea of a yard sale that every Holliday Park family (all 694) could participate in, prosper from, and enjoy, was suggested; it was based upon a desire to gather the entire membership together for the purpose of great fun and social-interaction, along with presenting an opportunity to invite the wonderful community–at-large, in Westland, Michigan, to be our guests and be received as welcome participants in the event and perhaps, future friends and neighbors.

The Board of Directors and Social Chairperson agreed to support the idea with the kind of energy which is required for any venture to come to fruition and achieve its goals.

A group of volunteers then came together, and within weeks the specific plan, which included Sign-Up Sheets, Paid Participant Emblems, Display Information, dates, times, and a campaign for advertising, were all in place. Every volunteer, on the committee, brought amazing ideas for themes, parking and logistical problems, display etiquette, and much more. Several people agreed to collect the participation fees, and distribute all pertinent information. This required a great deal of strategic planning, which was carried out with great enthusiasm.

Our most learned “advertising” specialist placed the ads. The computer guru among us, got us internet ads on Craigslist, Around Town Community Calendar, The Observer News and more, and created all of the art work for each kind of promotional poster and fliers, and even the NO PARKING signage was artsy and friendly.

Another creative person took the Chairperson’s seat, with courage to face the unknown. We had never had any activity of this magnitude before, but he was undaunted and soldiered on. He knew that Australia had these events, where people wandered from location to location to purchase items that were offered for sale, and the Aussies’ called them “Walk-About’s”; and therefore, the title Walk-About Yard Sale was born (or borrowed).

Every member who wished to participate was directed to put their treasures on display in front of their home, or in a high visibility area near their sidewalk. The large green park side areas of the community were also available for multi-family sales. People thought of inventive and attractive display techniques and one family, not only offered for sale a beautiful piano; they made it “prominent” by locating it on the back of an open truck bed, ready for delivery. Needless to say, the piano was one of the first items to sell, and many others followed.

Perhaps the most PRICELESS PART of this entire process was the RE-Kindled Spirit of our Holliday Park family. Neighbors saw, mingled, laughed and had a great time with other neighbors and guests. Something magical was in the air, and it remains, today.

The Walk-About Yard Sale exceeded all expectations, and was all that we had hoped for and so much more. We have now had 3 of these yard sales and this event  has been added to the ever-growing list of annual events, and occasions. Residents of the Westland community attended in large numbers, and they will be back to find more treasures, and perhaps to join us, in membership at this truly engaging and viable community of doers and volunteers.

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 20th, 2008 at 12:03 am and is filed under Holliday Park. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.