Annual Rummage Sale Raises $19,000 and Increases Awareness of Counseling and Prevention Programs

LaCASA's recent Giant Upscale Tented 3-Day Rummage Sale was a huge success, raising $19,000 for Lake County 's only rape crisis and advocacy center. In addition to sending hundreds of people home with gently used items to treasure, the event provided them with a new awareness of the vital, unduplicated services that LaCASA provides to people all across Lake County.

"Community response to this year's Giant Rummage Sale was phenomenal," said LaCASA's Executive Director Torrie Flink. "Along with raising over $19,000 for LaCASA, it brought out the best in our staff and volunteers, as well as many rummage sale shoppers who took the time to ask about LaCASA's services to the community and how they might be able to help."

The Second Hand Roses are a committee of dedicated and diligent women with a strong desire to be of service to LaCASA. These women worked hard for six months to create this Sale . Supported by the strong backs of two amazing men, Wally Sawyer (Libertyville) and Giovanni Molina ( Waukegan ), this group seems to do the impossible.

"Response to LaCASA's Rummage Sale event was truly inspiring," Observed Co-Event Chair Laura Hampton. "We received tremendous support from area businesses, who donated everything from the tent over our heads (Stellar Productions, Lake Bluff) to the food and beverages needed to keep our staff and volunteers going for three straight days (Gurnee Pizza, Inlaws, Jimano's Pizzeria, Kaiser's, Panera Bread, Pizza Hut, and Salutos)."

"There's no way we could have had such a well organized and successful fundraiser without everyone's help, from those who helped collect, sort and organize items to everyone who helped spread the word and brought in their friends to shop," exclaimed Co-Event Chair Jennifer Jones. "We also thank Target of Gurnee for donating many items, and we appreciate Gurnee Community Church for letting us use their tables."

Among LaCASA's advocacy services that benefit area residents are: medical and legal advocacy, emergency room and police training, and a 24-hour hotline for crisis intervention. In the past year, LaCASA has aided over 30,000 individuals.

LaCASA's Rummage Sale was managed by the newly formed Second Hand Roses committee, which was co-chaired by Jennifer Jones (Gurnee) and Laura Hampton (Wildwood).

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