Davis Senior Center returns for its annual jewelry sale

From vintage handbags to statement necklaces, affordably priced secondhand accessories drew in the Davis community 

By PIPER AWEEKA — city@theaggie.org

On May 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Davis Senior Center hosted its annual jewelry sale, a yearly fundraiser to support the center’s various activities. Steady streams of customers seeking affordable secondhand jewelry and accessories visited the city establishment throughout the two days.

Maria Lucchesi, supervisor of the Davis Senior Center for the past 17 years, greeted incoming visitors and attendees from the building’s front desk. Lucchesi described how the yearly event is one of the center’s most demanding to prepare. 

“All the jewelry is donated by members of the public,” Lucchesi said. “Most volunteers here are from the Senior Center, but we also have students [...] They review the jewelry [and] ensure that it isn’t broken. They will, if need be, go to a local gold and silver vendor and have it reviewed, appraised, so they are informed on the value of it.”

As guests walked through the brightly lit hallway toward the sales room, Lucchesi highlighted the importance of each item’s low pricing. 

“We price everything very, very low by design, because we want to make this accessible to everyone,” Lucchesi said. “In the end, all that revenue just supports our programs and services here.”

Guests passing a glass cabinet filled with an assortment of displayed necklaces, earrings and bracelets approached the event sales room. Filled with volunteers and college-aged attendees, rows of tables were covered with all varieties and sizes of jewelry. From vintage watches to large chunky necklaces and $1 rings, the assortment of donated regalia was extensive.

Sedona Patterson, a Davis resident, was one of the attendees at this year’s sale. Patterson emphasized how the event remains an exemplary opportunity for the city’s network of jewelry lovers. 

“I do just love a good deal on jewelry,” Patterson said. “I came last year. Before that, I think I just heard from word of mouth or from people who are stylish and also love jewelry like I do.”

Lois Richter, KDRT radio host and event volunteer, echoed the high regard that community members such as Patterson have for the sale. 

“The importance of the event is two things,” Richter said. “For one, it gives people the ability to donate and feel good about where their stuff’s going. The second part is that the people who come to the sale get really good deals [...] We’re simply not trying to do it like a business.”

Pamela Taheri, another event volunteer, sat in a back room leading fellow volunteers in ensuring quality control for bowls of jewelry purchased by one enthusiastic buyer. Handling a turquoise gemstone necklace, Taheri noted how the event date has changed in recent years to accommodate for the high interest that arises in springtime. 

“We used to do this sale in October, but we changed it up the last couple of years,” Taheri said. “Doing it in early May or late April, depending on when Mother’s day falls, attracts a lot more younger clientele [...] You also have senior prom and then graduation, which attracts a lot of college girls.”

As crowds circulated in and out, Lucchesi highlighted how the event attracts Davis residents who may not be as familiar with the Senior Center as a shared, welcoming space. 

“It’s great because I think that it brings together the community,” Lucchesi said. “Our volunteers feel valued and folks walk into our doors who wouldn’t otherwise necessarily know even about the Senior Center.”

With the event taking an entire year to plan, volunteers noted how any additional help is welcomed in future years. Information about upcoming fundraisers and volunteer opportunities can be found on their Instagram @davisseniorcenter.

Written By: Piper Aweeka — city@theaggie.org