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Community Corner

Boutique at the Rink Sets New Record

Annual sale raised more than $180,000 for cancer patients in the Lehigh Valley.

 

The 38th annual sale set a new record, raising more than $180,000 for the three local non-profit groups it benefits: , St. Luke's Hospice, and Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Co-chairmen Joan Fishman and Francie DeSalvio, in reporting that this year’s goal of $160,000 was surpassed by more than $20,000, thanked the volunteers for their efforts at a luncheon recognizing them. 

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Fishman said, “The Boutique is a family that has been together for 38 years … it is incredibly successful, in large part because of the most amazing and loyal volunteers, many of whom have been working at the Boutique from the very beginning.”

Cancer Support Community Interim Director Elizabeth Scofield said the Boutique’s great success “enables us to continue offering free programs to help people reduce stress, restore a sense of hope and control and reduce their isolation.” 

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Michelle Gilleto of St. Luke’s Hospice, said the Boutique contribution benefits St. Luke’s Hospice Endowment. “The income from the endowment sustains hospice care and helps to expand it to those without the ability to pay.”

The annual sale, started in 1974 by a group of Bethlehem Steel Corp. wives to help cancer victims, is held for five days in late May at the

All of the new and like-new items from clothing to house wares and sporting goods are donated by the community, and are sold at a fraction of retail cost. In addition, private, retail and corporate sponsors assist with goods and donations. "This sale benefits everyone in the community," emphasized DeSalvio.  

More than 200 men, women and youth volunteers set up and break-down the event site, and sort, tag and sell the items.  It was reported that 212 volunteers gave more than 9,400 hours of service to this year’s sale.

For 2013 sale dates and times, please visit the website, www.boutiqueatherink.com  next year. Information about the Boutique and volunteer opportunities can be obtained at the website or call the Cancer Support Community at 610-861-7555.

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