The Gingham Tree Resale Shop on the campus of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital is marking a major milestone this summer: its 50th anniversary of being in business – and supporting health care in the community.
“The Gingham Tree is a higher-end resale shop that’s owned and operated by the Auxiliary of Advocate Good Samaritan. Everything sold at the shop has been donated by community members,” explained Tiffany Gardley, Support Services Manager. “The Auxiliary donates proceeds from the shop to the hospital through Advocate Charitable Foundation.”
The Auxiliary of Good Samaritan is the single largest philanthropic contributor to the hospital, donating and pledging approximately $10M over the last five decades. The Auxiliary pledged a lead gift of $2 million for the construction of the state-of-the-art private room bed tower and supported the renovation of the Cardiovascular Services department and the expansion of the Bhorade Cancer Center. Funds have been used to enhance the hospital’s Level 1 trauma emergency department, the former pediatrics unit and the chapel renovation. Donations have also funded the completion of the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, the build-out of new surgical suites, the purchase of advanced operating equipment, the modernization of the hospital’s gift shop and many other projects.
“It’s a truly remarkable accomplishment, and what I would call transformational giving,” shared Gwen Kessler, Supervisor of the Gingham Tree. “The impact has been nothing short of incredible.”
The shop also donates items to patients in need.
“For example, no patient will ever go home in a hospital gown. Nurses can come to the shop – even after hours – and get clothing and other items that patients might need,” explained Tiffany. “If we have it, we’ll donate it.”
The Gingham Tree is staffed by more than 30 dedicated volunteers.
“Almost two dozen of them have been with the shop for 10 years or more,” said Tiffany. “They’re very passionate, and they do more than just sell. They share advice, lessons about life and work, and their experiences, expertise and stories.
For those of us without living grandparents, it really means a lot. I could lose an entire day just listening to them talk.”
“It’s great to see people volunteering their time and talent. Every day is different,” added Gwen. “On any given day, I could be working alongside a dozen role models who are showing me how I want to age gracefully and live well.”
The shop is known in the community and surrounding areas for having a wide variety of unique items for sale.
“I like to say you can find anything from flip-flops to fur coats,” smiled Tiffany.
“You’ll find men’s and women’s clothing, household items, books, accessories, shoes, handbags and seasonal items,” added Gwen. “Our customers, who are usually also donors, are a mix of teammates and community members.
Sometimes we even have people come in from neighboring states like Indiana and Wisconsin.”
The Gingham Tree was even the setting of a local love story.
“Two of our long-time volunteers, Donna and Fred, met and fell in love at the Gingham Tree,” said Gwen. “Fred even proposed to Donna in the store, and many fellow volunteers attended their wedding. It was really special.”
The Gingham Tree’s 50th anniversary is in July. A weeklong celebration is planned to mark the milestone.
“From July 10-15, we’ll have different sales and activities each day,” said Gwen. “The Gingham Tree is a unique place with a rich history that does so much good for not only the hospital but also for its patients and the community as a whole.”
How you can help
Every donation makes a difference for our patients, families and teammates. Please consider making a gift to support Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital today. To learn about volunteer opportunities, please contact Melissa Chumbley.