The Tabor House’s 21st giant tag sale, which serves the dual purpose of raising funds and making inexpensive goods available to those in need, will be held at the Convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 27 Park Rd., on July 16-18. 

Tons of bargains can be found at the Tabor House Giant Tag Sale, and all proceeds go to charity. Photo courtesy of David Dyson

By Katie Cavanaugh

A West Hartford tradition, the Tabor House’s 21st giant tag sale will be held at the Convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph next weekend.

The tag sale was started by Loretta Dyson in 1993, and is now run by her son, David Dyson. How did the family decide they wanted to aid the Tabor House’s HIV/AIDs residence program? They had a personal connection to the disease.

“My brother Bill died from AIDS in 1989,” said David.

David said his family decided the tag sale would be a great fundraiser to do, because it would enable them to give back twofold.

David Dyson said he expects 1,000 people to shop at the Tabor House Giant Tag Sale. The line forms outside for the indoor event. Photo courtesy of David Dyson

“We wanted to do the opposite of a black-tie fundraiser. We thought the tag sale would be a win-win,” said David. “People from impoverished areas of Hartford buy things they couldn’t afford otherwise, and the money goes to charity.”

Past results show they definitely made the right decision.

Over the years the Tabor House tag sale has accumulated $200,000, all of which has gone directly to the charity.

The Dyson family has received multiple awards for their community service throughout the years. Loretta Dyson has received the 2008 New England Patriots Community MVP Award for Community Service. David Dyson has received the Bank of America Local Hero Award in 2009, and recently received the 2015 Noah Webster Award for Community Service.

David Dyson (right) and his mother Loretta Dyson have raised more than $200,000 for AIDS through the Tabor House Giant Tag Sale, now in its 21st year. Photo courtesy of David Dyson

However, David said they would not have been able to be this successful without all of the support and help from their volunteers. This year he expects about 1,000 people to come to the tag sale, and 200 volunteers to help out at the event.

“I like to recruit kids in the Hall and Conard sumer programs, and Northwest Catholic is sending a group of students to volunteer this year. I like seeing that many young volunteers come back year after year,” said David. “This year we’re also looking forward to having Target stores sending volunteers.”

The tag sale will open on Thursday, July 16 with a wine and cheese opening from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission will be $10. On Friday, July 17, the tag sale will feature a bake sale and will be open from noon to 6 p.m. with a $1 admission fee. The hours on Saturday, July 18 will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission will be free.

For more information, like the Tabor Tag Sale and Auction Facebook page.

“Those who have the means should also be helping those out who are struggling and don’t have the means,” said David. “It’s a feel good event. You’re helping those people who are in need.”

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