By Patsy Wohlwend
All dedicated treasure hunters have their favorite haunts. Jack Sparrow loved the Caribbean, Mel Fisher found Spanish gold off Florida’s coast and visitors to the Tour of Homes go straight to the Broyles Center in search of treasure at the Collectors’ Corner.

On Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, the hunt will be on once again for inspired collectibles and great bargains.

Fortunately, generous neighbors replenish Big Canoe’s favorite treasure haunt each year. Donations for last year’s Tour of Homes Collectors’ Corner included 30 boxes from the estate of Susan Dean’s cousin in South Georgia. Her blueware pieces were popular and Ginny Weiss was thrilled to purchase several pieces for her daughter’s collection. She also bought several small pitchers, which she has used to carry flowers to sick friends.

Some booty went all the way to Michigan. Judy Lacey helped her son fill his house with furniture and items purchased at last year’s sale. Judy and Claud, with help from local artist Anita Bellinger, refinished and decorated beds and a mirror for their granddaughter’s room as a result of Judy’s treasure hunting.

Even co-chairs Verna Rauschenberg and Patsy Wohlwend couldn’t resist the call of the bargain. Both were delighted to find area rugs just perfect for their children’s homes.

Best of all, Habitat for Humanity homeowners, waiting for the completion of their house, were invited to the Collector’s Corner on Saturday afternoon to select items for their new home. The memory of the homeowner’s 16-year old daughter happily picking out treasures for her room was one of the “simply inspired” stories that prompted this year’s theme for the Tour of Homes.

Some neighbors have already been inspired to donate their personal treasures. Among the pieces Blanche Hann donated is a ceramic angel crafted by a life-long friend in Columbia, SC. Blanche grew up with the artist, who was partially deaf. Blanche served as “ears” for her friend. The beautiful angel is one of only three done by the artist.

How about you? When you are renovating, redecorating, moving or just cleaning out, please set aside items that can be donated to the 2010 Tour of Homes Collectors’ Corner. If you cannot store your donations until the end of April, call Patsy Wohlwend at (706) 268-1045 for a pick-up. All donations are tax-deductible and tax deduction forms are available. 

One of the most challenging parts of the collecting job is “treasure transportation.” Last year a super group of men, women, vans and trucks appeared almost magically and accomplished the move from the North Gate storage units to the Broyles Center within two hours. Another group of volunteers then spent four days lovingly arranging the unique collections. If you can lend a hand with the moving or with the sale itself, give Patsy a call.

Finally, be sure to come by the Collectors’ Corner on April 30 and May 1 to find your own “simply inspired” treasure.