Guadalupe Resale Shop recognized a milestone sale after a shopper’s purchase of an oil painting on June 9 pushed the boutique above $1 million in gross sales revenue for its fiscal year.
This is the first time the Resale Shop, located on U.S. 41 in North Naples, has reached that threshold during a fiscal year, which runs July 1 to June 30. Proceeds support Guadalupe Center, a nonprofit that provides life-changing educational opportunities to children and teens in Immokalee.
“We often talk about making a million dreams come true for students and families, and the Resale Shop’s million-dollar success will undoubtedly help us reach that goal,” said Guadalupe Center President Dawn Montecalvo. “Education creates endless opportunities for the next generation of leaders, and we already see that transformative change with our alumni returning to Immokalee after college as teachers, doctors, health care workers, accountants, engineers and other professionals.”
Guadalupe Center serves more than 1,750 students annually through three educational programs: the nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Program, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment Program and college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. The nonprofit relies on philanthropic support to carry out its mission, along with proceeds from the Resale Shop.
The milestone purchase was made by Patricia Lenhardt, a Bonita Springs resident who stops by the Resale Shop each week to browse new arrivals in the showroom. A self-described art collector, Lenhardt often drops off donations before starting a new search for unique artwork and home décor.
“I love artwork, and if you’re going to buy some artwork, this is the one place to come and get it because the prices are phenomenal,” said Lenhardt, who estimates the oil painting of fresh flowers in a glass vase would have retailed for $400 to $600 at a consignment shop. She paid $95.
The Resale Shop sells like-new furniture, home décor, kitchenware, artwork, lamps, linens, DVDs and CDs, books and all types of ladies’ and men’s clothing, including accessories such as jewelry, purses and nearly new shoes. All items are donated by local residents and businesses.
“We only have two full-time and two part-time paid employees and an army of volunteers to process donations, price items, stock shelves, create displays, assist customers and ring up purchases,” said Kat McNabb, store manager. “Reaching $1 million in sales revenue is certainly a milestone worth celebrating, but the true celebration is seeing the impact that all of these sales are having on students and families.”
The Resale Shop’s interior is filled with brochures and photos of Guadalupe Center students. A video highlighting academic achievements and program offerings plays on a continuous loop as shoppers browse the showroom. Teens in the Tutor Corps Program often volunteer when school is not in session, further connecting the dots between Guadalupe Resale Shop and Guadalupe Center.
“Customers aren’t just buying a new dress, tableware or painting; they are providing an educational foundation for early learning students as well as students in elementary school, high school and college,” said Greethel Leon, assistant manager. “Every purchase has a direct impact on the lives of children enrolled in Guadalupe Center’s programs.”
“They have pictures in the store of the different children graduating,” Lenhardt added. “That’s one of the reasons I shop here because I know it benefits a very good cause.”
Guadalupe Resale Shop
Guadalupe Resale Shop is located at 12980 Tamiami Trail North, Unit 10, in North Naples.
