Printer Friendly Version - Drawing on 40 Years of Support

The treasures are always unique and always changing at Hole in the Wall Consignment shop, where guests are encouraged to enter a free drawing, going on now, to win prizes displayed on the table. The drawing will take place Friday, Oct. 25 to help the shop celebrate 40 years of supporting Guilford's A Better Chance program. Sharing some more treasures to be found here are volunteer Bette Beauvais (in foreground) and (from left) co-manager Patty Sullivan, volunteer Emma Stevenson, co-manager Amy Mickelson, and volunteers Marge Welsh and Elizabeth Campagnuolo.

Whether you're a Hole in the Wall regular or have always wanted to peek inside the popular Boston Street consignment shop, now is a great time to check in.

To celebrate 40 years of supporting Guilford's A Better Chance (ABC) program, Hole in the Wall's holding a drawing to give away a sampling of the type of very special treasures that have made it a must-stop for savvy shoppers.

On Friday, Oct. 25, winners will be drawn from all entries to receive a great gift, such as a cultured pearl necklace, a strawberry-shaped McCoy cookie jar, a beautifully beaded purse, a delicate Royal Copenhagen coffee set, and much more. The prizes are all on display in the shop now. There is no cost to enter the drawing, which began accepting entries on Sept. 27, so stop by soon, said co-manager Patty Sullivan.

"All they need to do is come in and enter," said Sullivan. "We're doing this to thank our customers and to celebrate our 40th anniversary of being in business solely in support of Guilford ABC."

As Guilford's oldest and only non-profit consignment and resale shop, Hole in the Wall purveys unique consigned and donated clothes for adults as well as accessories, housewares, jewelry, shoes, furniture, and more.

"Every day, there are new treasures. We never know what's going to come through the door," said Sullivan.

Founded in 1968, the shop has been operating for the benefit of Guilford ABC since 1973. Guilford ABC's residence program allows up to six exceptional young women of high school age, all from the greater New York City area, to attend Guilford High School for four years while receiving housing, meals, and tutoring here.

With an operating budget in excess of $90,000 per year (according to www.guilford.abc.org), covering staff, food, utilities, house maintenance, enrichment expenses, and supplies, Guilford ABC depends on funds raised locally. Primary sources of funding come from an annual appeal, proceeds from the ABC Secret Gardens annual tour, and for the past 40 years, proceeds from sales at The Hole in the Wall.

"We have a very loyal fan base here in Guilford and we're very grateful to all of our customers," said Sullivan.

Co-manager Amy Mickelson agreed, adding the shop offers a "sense of community, within the community.

"People visit, they get to know the volunteers, and they know we get amazing things here," said Mickelson. "They also know we support a great cause-educating young women. The girls are here during the school year. Often times you'll find them here on Sundays, when we're open from noon to four?so come and visit us!"

Hole in the Wall is located at 35 Boston Street (Boston Commons) and is ppen weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 203-453-2088 or visit www.guilfordabc.org.