A rummage sale held by a local consignment store in Fargo has successfully raised approximately $900 for the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. This event marks a shift from the traditional fundraising fashion show that the store, My Best Friend’s Closet, has organized for years.
Lora Larson, the owner and manager of My Best Friend’s Closet, expressed her hopes for the sale, initially aiming to raise a few hundred dollars. “I had no idea what to expect, but as soon as we opened the doors, people flooded in,” Larson noted. The store marked down hundreds of items to $1 or $2 each, which drew a significant crowd. On a typical sales day, the store processes around 50 transactions, but during the rummage sale, that figure soared to over 250.
The enthusiastic turnout surpassed Larson’s expectations, with customers visibly excited about their purchases. “They seemed really excited, and I think it made them feel good, like even better about their purchase,” said Charli Dlugosh, a sales associate at the store.
The rummage sale also honors the legacy of the store’s original owner, Meredith Haugen, who volunteered at the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center until her death in 2007. Haugen’s family chose to commemorate her by collecting donations in lieu of flowers for her funeral. This initial funding contributed to the establishment of the Meredith Haugen play therapy room at the center.
In previous years, My Best Friend’s Closet and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center collaborated on annual fashion show fundraisers. However, due to the nonprofit’s current focus on planning a new location, the decision was made to host a fashion display instead. Larson described the event, stating, “We had a line all the way to the dressing rooms and wrapping around and we stood there for eight hours straight and just rang people all day. It was awesome.”
This year’s rummage sale not only exceeded the fundraising goal but also sold more than 95% of the items available, showcasing the community’s support for a vital cause. The collaboration between the consignment store and the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center continues to demonstrate the impact local businesses can have in supporting critical services for those affected by violence.
For individuals experiencing domestic violence or needing support, resources are available by contacting the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center at 701-293-7273, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by dialing 911 in emergencies.
