Arethusa Shoe Sale set for Aug. 19

BANTAM » Shoe lovers can expect deep discounts at the Arethusa Shoe Sale on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bantam Fire Company, 92 Doyle Road in Bantam. Proceeds go directly to the Arethusa Farm Scholarship Fund, which aids students at UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). Arethusa executives George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis established the fund after they bought Arethusa Farm in Litchfield.

With help from UConn’s agriculture experts, they have built an internationally renowned herd and dairy business that includes a line of dairy products as well as Arethusa al Tavolo Restaurant and Arethusa a Mano bakery in Bantam.

At the sale, shoppers will find a mix of past season items and samples from fashion shows, movie sets, and ad shoots. A wide range of sizes will be available. At the 2015 sale, buyers took home luxury-brand flats, stilettos, pumps and boots at bargain prices — and helped to raise nearly $200,000 for the scholarship fund.

“The value of this fundraising opportunity cannot be overstated,” said Cameron Faustman, Interim Dean and Director of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, in a written statement. “For students pursuing dairy-related interests at the University of Connecticut, this scholarship program will provide a means for accomplishing their academic and career goals while minimizing their need to work long hours outside of their studies or to take on debt. It also will facilitate our ability to attract and retain students committed to the field and ensure a continued supply of fresh and local dairy products for the state.”

Steven Zinn, professor and head of UConn’s Department of Animal Science, agreed. “This scholarship opens doors to a UConn education for the next generation of dairy producers in Connecticut, helping maintain this critical industry in the state,” he said.

UConn students will be on hand to help direct traffic, and entry into the sale is first come, first served. Credit cards and cash will be accepted. The samples are not to be purchased for resale, and all sales are final.

For more information about the sale, call Amy Chesmer at 860-336-6706. For more information about supporting College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, please visit http://uconnalumni. com/2017/07/26/arethusasample-sale-benefit-scholarships/.

For more information about the UConn Foundation, visit www.foundation. uconn.edu.