A wad of foreign paper money, signed TV scripts, century-old magazines, piles of unworn socks and the last will and testament of a British sailor dated 1721 are up for grabs in what’s certain to be one of Millburn’s quirkiest charity rummage sales, on August 27 – 28. The sale will benefit Arts Unbound, located in Orange.
Leonard Bornstein of Leonard Bornstein Entertainments cleared out closets during his office renovation in order to raise funds for this group, which is committed to unleashing the artistic potential of people with physical and mental disabilities.
“There will be suggested donations but no reasonable offer will be refused,” said Bornstein. “Let them walk out saying, boy did we scr*w that guy!”
Bornstein has won the New Jersey Monthly 2010 Garden State Seeds of Hope Award which recognizes the contributions of individuals committed to volunteer efforts that benefit people in New Jersey. He is an inveterate collector and the items for sale reflect Bornstein’s passion for civil rights, travel and 50 years in the entertainment business -his company provides music for all types of events and he reckons to have MCed at 6,000 Bar Mitzvahs since the 1970s. He also provides musicians to play for nursing home residents at discounted rates.
Items seeking a home include signed photos of eminent personalities such as Ethel Kennedy, Gloria Steinem and the women’s rights activist Bella Abzug, an original Star Wars comic, signed copies of scripts for vintage TV shows General Hospital and Knots Landing with signatures of Nicollette Sheridan and Michelle Phillips. Also for sale are copies of original newspapers from the last half century, providing a timeline of significant historical events from Kennedy’s assassination, moon walks and 9/11, LPs and old 78s of popular music and musicals, boxed mint Bradford plate and original artwork.
Bornstein admits that finding a buyer for some items — such as a Jack London first edition — will be a challenge. Other treasures may appeal to those with more specialized interests, but for certain is that the sale will offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and passions of an informed and committed local man.
Friday, August 27, 4-7pm
Saturday, August 28, 9 – 1pm
Leonard Bornstein Entertainments
44 Main Street
2nd Floor
(Above Martini’s/Pizzeta)
Millburn
973 467 3060
Story by Gudrun Lake, a Baristanet contributor
