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SEVENDAYSvt.com 05.18.11-05.25.11 SEVEN DAYS 40 FEATURE
SEVEN DAYS: How does the original vision compare with this week’s 10thanniversary event? LESLIE HALPERIN: I never imagined that a gathering of a few friends would turn into what the Clothes Exchange is today, but it happened. The scale has changed, absolutely, but the core is the same. It’s not really about the clothes. We had the first gathering in my living room right after 9/11. My friends and I wanted to do something to improve the lives of others who are suffering. Yes, we’ve gotten bigger. Yes, the clothes are better. And, yes, we raise more money than ever. But the essence is the same. The Clothes Exchange is a fundraiser that doesn’t feel like one. I really feel that being able to use your power as a consumer to support causes you care about really resonates with people in this community. It is the concept of reusing your waste and leveraging the value of our excess to help improve life for all. And that will never change. SD: What happens when the doors open and the fun starts? LH: The fun actually starts before the doors open. Some women tailgate with picnics. We serve King Street Lemonade and cookies for people waiting in line.
Beneficiaries of the Clothes Exchange
jordan silverman
little retail therapy can go a long way at the Burlington Clothes Exchange. The event, now in its 10th year, offers one-stop shopping for great garments and good karma. Every penny earned from the sale of clothing — gathered from individuals’ closets as well as area retailers — benefits a local nonprofit. Last year’s CE pulled in $70,000 for the King Street Center. This year, in honor of its 10th anniversary, half the funds raised will go to Spectrum Youth & Family Services; the other half will be divided equally among previous recipients (see time line below). Since the first event — which took place in 42-year-old founder Leslie Halperin’s Burlington living room — the Clothes Exchange has raised nearly a quarter-million dollars for local organizations. This year’s event takes place over two nights, May 18 and 19, at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center. Seven Days talked shop with Halperin in advance of the fashion frenzy.
Leslie Halperin, left, at the 2010 Clothes Exchange
Nonprofits
Retail Recycled Seven questions for Clothes Exchange founder Leslie Halperin B y N an c y S t ea r ns B e r c aw
This year, Stephen & Burns will be doing “instant makeovers” in the queue. We try to make being in line part of the experience. Inside, the CE has a vibe, energy and excitement. You will be greeted by the team and get your cute complimentary tote bag. The CE is not a rummage sale. We make the shopping experience pleasurable. Everything is hung, folded, and sorted by type and size. The quality of clothes is exceptional. We have a dressing tent, courtesy of Vermont Tent Company, which serves as one huge
2010 King Street Center $70,000
2009 Vermont Works for Women $56,000
2008 The Hicks Foundation $32,000
dressing room. That’s where the party really happens. There will be a lounge outside the dressing room, too. Café Barista Prima is setting up an Italian-style coffee bar — offering samples of coffee and chocolates. Barista Prima is doing Facebook promo, too. So, for every “like” they get, they are donating $1 to the Clothes Exchange, up to $2500. There’s also a cash bar. Folks from Seventh Generation are going to DJ the event and host a game in which the winner gets a year of cleaning supplies.
2007 The Visiting Nurse Association $25,800
SD: How do you decide which clothing donations make the cut and how to price the ones that do? LH: We don’t choose anything that has a stain — or any flaws, for that matter. Every find at the CE has to be something special. We price based on brand, desirability and condition. It’s an art, not a science. Say we get a pair of 7 for All Mankind jeans; they sell for over $100, but we’ll mark them for around $60. We need to price items to generate revenue, but keep them at a certain price to wind up in people’s bags.
2006 NeighborKeepers $15,000
2005 Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program $6500
2004 The Vermont Women’s Fund $3200