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Save The Berkeley Flea Market

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Thanks to supporters like you, The Berkeley Flea Market Village is still here celebrating 47 years of Community.

The Berkeley Flea Market is an interactive celebration of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment; which began in the early 70’s from artists and activist using free open space to come together and create a working community village. They played drums. They sold what they made. They sold Items from Africa, Asia, All the Americas, and the Middle East. They plucked gems that had been discarded by a throw-away culture and fixed them so that we could see the value again.  In 1973 those pioneers of economic Freedom fought and won the right to officially establish Berkeley Flea Market on the Ashby parking lot. From its original inception, this community institution acted as a catalyst, extending the city of Berkeley's larger economic progressive strategy by providing lucrative opportunities for marginalized people to engage in business. Historically the market was the first stop for immigrants, minorities, refugees, women, artists and makers to achieve economic freedom and grow their own businesses in the Bay Area. 

Today The Berkeley Flea Market serves as a place of livelihood, mentorship, community building, artistic expression, and the creation of a common and shared history.  Individual entrepreneurs have been able to experiment with a new business opportunities for a relatively low investment. Some vendors have even gone on to create larger projects and become owners of their own brick and mortar stores, restaurants, and achieved great success.

In 2018, the market suffered from reduced revenues due to smoke from the fires and extended rainy weekends. One rainy day easily contributes to a loss of an entire weekend’s earnings. The loss of revenue resulted in a temporary shutdown in 2019 to regroup financially from the economic devastation of 2018.

In 2019 The organization that runs the Berkeley Flea Market, Community Services United (CSU), began  working with Uptima Business Bootcamp, the City of Berkeley’s Office of Economic Development, Market Vendors, and other key community members to ensure the survival of the market and to find creative ways to reduce its economic vulnerability to weather, natural disasters, and other changes.

Although economic recovery from 2018 has been slow 2019 has seen many gains.

2019 WINS

-We reduced the cost of organizing the market was reduced by more than a third while still creating a vibrant space each weekend.

-THE ARTWALK (Sponsored by The Peoples Store) was started and is a collaboration with youth artists and community performers to bring a monthly celebration of the markets Artistry.

-In alignment with our green values and ecological health our market hosted THE BEE FAIR: A Pollinator Party for the most important albeit smallest community member, The BEE.

-On special market days we provided art classes, jewelry making classes, yoga, fitness training, and business resources.

-We grew our open community space for local artists suffering from harsh economic pressures to participate in restorative drum circles, share poetry, songs, and their culturally-based ingenuities with a stage and sound system.

-We received a sponsorship and endorsement from KBLX which we hope to expand in 2020 to promote more community Projects.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Please support the market and the community that has been created by donating today. Help us keep our legacy of community, artistry, and economic freedom strong.

YOUR DONATIONS WILL

-Help the Berkeley Flea Market continue to advance health, self-determination and restorative economics for marginalized communities in Berkeley and provide easy access to micro enterprise opportunity for vendors who need an affordable method to be in business.

-Increase the marketing of the Berkeley Flea Market to drive more foot traffic, and provide more sales opportunities.

-Continue to hold vibrant performances curated by youth and community members.

-Build a Rainy Day Reserve Fund



WAYS TO DONATE:

GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Support-The-International-berkeley-flea-market

We are Fiscally Sponsored by LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER and will provide donors who donate more than $50 tax information to write off the donation. Include email and address with your donation and you will be sent information to write off your donation.

MAIL:

1937 Ashby Ave

Berkeley, CA 94703

If you prefer to donate through mail please send a check to Berkeley Flea Market @ 1937 Ashby Ave, Berkeley Ca.  Make the check out to La Pena Cultural Center and put Berkeley Flea Market in bottom left corner.
 
 BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Berkeley Flea Market is an interactive celebration of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment; and one of the longest-standing incubators of small business opportunity for people of color, immigrants, refugees, and marginalized communities throughout Berkeley, the Bay Area, and beyond.

The Market is a vibrant and energetic space where patrons share their culture and talents, and unite under hope for an even more beautiful future. As a sponsor, you will be making a pledge to help build this future, showing your support for the underserved in our community, and gaining direct exposure to a highly involved and active audience of your potential customers.

IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE MARKET in 2020 please email [email redacted]. (Put SPONSORSHIP in Subject)

Different Levels of Sponsorships include signage around the market grounds (Ashby & Adeline), as well as appearances in our ads (KBLX, KPFA, KPOO and more). We will also be including sponsorship logos and information on our website and social media platforms.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

 
 




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Donations 

  • Jacque Lacey
    • $20
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

has not reviewed or approved this fundraiser.

Andrea Prichett
Organizer
Berkeley, CA

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