SEBASTIAN – The Kashi Ashram on Roseland Road in Sebastian is no stranger to hosting yard sales, but Sunday was the first time organizers attempted to create a market – all in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the center.
Cindy Happy was one first-time visitor to the ashram who decided to stop in to browse the yard sale offerings. She left with a pair of Croc shoes for $1.
“I’m on my feet all day,” Happy said, explaining she’s a cook. The shoes, she said, would be comfortable.
“I drive by here many times” but have never stopped, Happy added.
Along with picking out a pair of shoes, Happy said she learned a little about what the community has to offer, including yoga classes. She’s now considering taking a class or two.
“It’s a cool spot,” Happy said of the ashram.
That was part of the point to Sunday’s event, according to Swami Krishnabai – raise the greater community’s awareness of what the Kashi Ashram has to offer.
The yard sale and market, too, served as a fundraiser of sorts to help the organizers establish a welcome center.
“We want to feed more people,” Krishnabai said. A new, large welcome center could accommodate more people, helping to expand the community’s outreach.
One shopper at the yard sale was By The River resident Janet Muccigrosso, who walked over from next door. The Kashi Ashram founded By The River as an affordable senior housing community. It has since been turned over to the state for operations.
“I wouldn’t live anywhere else,” Muccigrosso said of the three years she’s been at By The River. “We’re a family.”
Muccigrosso decided to check out the yard sale in hopes of finding something special for her daughter, whose birthday is today.
“My daughter has everything, but she doesn’t have this,” Muccigrosso said, showing off a pair of geodes. “I’m done buying her jewelry” – but these are a different kind of rock.
Swami Krishnabai said the event also was a way for them to gauge community interest in a market. The ashram had a table set up with organically grown produce, while others sold organic treats, coffees and juices.
Organizers are considering hosting a market on a monthly basis, but dates have yet to be decided.
“We need more momentum,” Krishnabai said.
