Transcript Features Editor

If anyone has a reason to believe "anything is collectible" it's Ginger Silva, a certified appraiser in Norman who plans to volunteer for Altrusa International Inc. of Norman's third annual Antique Appraisal Affair.

She said everyone from serious collectors to garage sale frequents should grab that old wooden centerpiece from the coffee table or pull their timeworn treasures out of storage for the affair, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the Norman High School Commons, 911 W. Main St.

Altrusa's Martha Aughe said eight appraisers with experience in various antique areas including jewelry, collectibles, stamps and quilts -- excluding firearms and coins -- will be there to offer verbal estimates of what items may be worth in today's market.

She said the cost is $10 for one item or $25 for three. Proceeds will help forward Altrusa's primary mission of promoting literacy.

"We do Independent Living Services for Youth, otherwise known as ILSY," Aughe said. "We do this as a fundraiser to furnish an apartment for ILSY, buy books for babies at Norman Regional Hospital, International Scholarship and also a scholarship goes to the Options Program (at Moore Norman Technology Center)."

Last year, the Antique Appraisal Affair brought in about $1,500 for the non-profit group. Altrusa's Donna Greenway said members would like to see more individuals support Altrusa this year through the affair because "we would like to furnish two apartments this year."

Those interested in attending can prepare for appraisals by writing down everything they know about each piece. Linda Kacmarcik, a general appraiser, said details regarding where the piece came from and information about its former owner may be helpful.

"It might just be a family myth that's come down through the years or something, but it's always good to hear everything they can tell you about something," she said.

For more information, call 364-6768 or 321-2379.