second glance

Tickets for The Open Door Thrift the Runway Fashion Show Available Now!

~ todtheopendoor

Tickets for the third annual Thrift the Runway Fashion Show by The Open Door and its thrift store, Second Glance, are on sale now.

Thrift the Runway takes place Sunday, September 13 at The Cut, 155 Main Street, Gloucester.

  • Doors Open: 6 p.m.
  • Fashion Show: 7 p.m.
  • After-Party: 8:30 to 10 p.m.

Get tickets: https://thecutlive.com/pages/events/thrift-the-runway

Part fashion show, part community celebration, and all for a good cause, Thrift the Runway raises funds to support local hunger relief efforts while showcasing the creativity and generosity of our community.

Where Fashion Meets Purpose

Held during both Hunger Action Month and New York Fashion Week, Thrift the Runway proves that great style can make a real difference.

Every outfit featured in the show is created using clothing and accessories donated to Second Glance. This year’s event will feature more than 100 looks styled entirely from thrifted finds, modeled by volunteers from across the community.

“Thrift the Runway is a reminder of what this community makes possible when we come together,” said Julie LaFontaine, President & CEO of The Open Door. “Every donated jacket, dress or pair of shoes that crosses the stage began as an act of generosity that will help bring good food to local people and families. It reflects the heart of The Open Door’s mission.” 

The event comes at a critical moment for local hunger-relief. Demand for food assistance continues to grow, with The Open Door seeing a 36% increase in requests for help last year following significant increases in the years before.

More Than a Fashion Show

What makes Thrift the Runway unique is that nearly everything involved in the production has been donated by members of the community.

“Everything you see on stage, from the clothing to the stage décor, was donated to Second Glance by someone in our community,” said Susan Zwart, Director of Thrift Operations. “That is what makes Thrift the Runway so special. It’s made possible by a community that understands our mission and is excited to join in.” 

For Kayla Mayo, who leads the fashion and styling efforts for the event, the show represents the perfect blend of sustainability and service.

“The whole show feels like magic to me”, said Kayla Mayo, The Open Door Thrift the Runway Fashion Lead. “We have volunteer models wearing entirely thrifted outfits walking across the stage in a fashion show to feed people. It’s a beautiful intersection of service and sustainability that is so central to Second Glance and The Open Door.” 

New This Year: Upcycled Designs from MassArt

A special highlight of this year’s event will be a finale featuring original upcycled looks created by students and alumni from Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Designers Asia Kepka, Sabra George, Prachi Mahurkar, and Sylvie Djian transformed clothing, fabric, and jewelry sourced from Second Glance into streetwear-inspired designs created exclusively for the show.

“I can’t imagine a better cause to put my creativity into than feeding people and The Open Door does just that. There were times in my life when I went to bed hungry,” said Asia Kepka, who led the group of MassArt designers and also volunteered in the first two Thrift the Runway shows to style and design. “Each time I participate in designing and styling for the show, I learn something new and I feel like I’m part of a unique community.” 

Familiar Faces on the Runway

This year’s lineup of volunteer models includes a number of recognizable community leaders, including:

  • Gloucester Mayor Paul Lundberg
  • Previous Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga
  • Previous Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken
  • Vionette Chipperini, Director of Veterans Services for the City of Gloucester
  • Eric Mitchell, President & CEO of Pathways for Children
  • Jason Andree, Board President of The Open Door
  • Several members of The Open Door team

When you attend Thrift the Runway, you’re not just enjoying a fun night out. You’re helping ensure that local individuals and families have access to the food they need while celebrating the creativity, sustainability, and generosity that make our community so special. Learn more: FOODPANTRY.org

Help The Open Door Raise Hunger Awareness this September

~ todtheopendoor

September is Hunger Action Month™, an annual, nationwide campaign by the Feeding America network to raise awareness and encourage action to reduce food insecurity.  

The Open Door has partnered with several groups to raise awareness about hunger, and share information on how to help support its mission.

The Open Door distributed 2.35 million pounds of food to 11,893 people through its Food Pantries in 2024, meeting a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024 (on top of a 30% increase in 2023), through 100,774 visits. 

Since August 2024, in addition to clients already receiving services, The Open Door has registered 820 new households for services at its Gloucester and Ipswich food pantry locations: An average of 68 new families per month.

HUNGER ACTION MONTH EVENTS:

The Open Door has partnered with several local organizations to raise hunger-awareness this September: 

  • Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga will issue a proclamation naming September Hunger Action Month in the city on Friday, September 12 
  • Thrift the Runway, a fashion show organized by The Open Door Thrift Store, Second Glance, will raise funds for local food assistance programs of the nonprofit on Sunday, September 14 at The Cut in Gloucester. Tickets are available at FOODPANTRY.org 
  • View Gloucester City Hall and the Beauport Hotel lit up orange all month long (orange is the color used to promote hunger awareness) 
  • Watch out for Hunger Action Month themed coasters at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar and the Seaport Grille 
  • Several local businesses are offering special promotions and products this month to raise awareness, including: 
  • Brothers Brew in Rockport will offer an orange themed donut  
  • Cake Ann will offer chocolate orange and creamsicle flavored cupcakes  
  • Turtle Alley will offer chocolate bars embossed with the word “LOVE”  
  • A portion of proceeds will support local hunger-relief programs of The Open Door! 
  • The Gloucester City Council will also wear orange to help raise awareness at their Tuesday, Sept. 9 meeting. 
  • SHOP and DONATE at Second Glance year-round. Revenue at the store raises funds for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Free referrals are also given to the community for those who need a little extra help. 

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

  • Donations are the most needed form of support as The Open Door doubles down on core programs and strategizes how to best meet increased need with fewer federal resources available. Donations big and small help move the needle, and can be made as one-time gifts, monthly donations, or annual contributions. Make a donation at FOODPANTRY.org. There are a variety of ways to make a donation, including: 
  • Company matches: many companies will also match donations made by their employees—doubling the impact of your gift. Ask your employer today if such a program exists at your workplace. 
  • Donate through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), Individual Retirement Rollover Gifts, and stocks and securities. 
  • Legacy giving 
  • Sponsor a meal 
  • Donations to Second Glance Thrift Store (make an appointment at FOODPANTRY.org/booknow). Items sold at the store create revenue for The Open Door 
  • In kind goods and services also support The Open Door mission 
  • Volunteers are another critical pillar of help at The Open Door, and provided 26,260 hours of support in 2024. There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from packing groceries, to sorting food, to supporting the kitchen, and tagging products for sale at Second Glance. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org/volunteer 

Members of the community are also invited to wear orange to raise awareness about local food insecurity this September. 

THIS WEEKEND: HOLIDAY MARKET AT SECOND GLANCE

~ todtheopendoor

SHOP for boutique winter clothing, classic and quirky holiday décor, one-of-a-kind gifts (jewelry, art, books), and so much more!

WHEN: Saturday December 7 from 9 am to 5 pm AND Sunday December 8 from 11 am to 5 pm

WHERE: Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA

NOTE: PLEASE help us be good neighbors and do not park in our neighbor’s lots!

WHAT: SHOP the Holiday Market at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, for high-quality, second-hand goods and one-of-a-kind finds for the holidays. Revenue at Second Glance supports hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.

Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org.

Second Glance Now Open for Shopping on TUESDAYS!

~ todtheopendoor

Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, has added an extra day of shopping! Starting on TUESDAY MAY 21 Second Glance will now be open for shopping Tuesday – Saturday from 9AM – 5PM at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 01930.

Donation appointments can be made at FOODPANTRY.org/booknow and are available Monday – Saturday. Same-day appointments often available.

Revenue at Second Glance helps support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org

What’s it Worth Night at Second Glance

~ todtheopendoor
From left: Appraisers Colleene Fesko, Bryan McMullin, and James Callahan.

Tickets are available NOW for a special event this April at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door!

Second Glance is holding a “What’s it Worth” night this April featuring acclaimed appraisers who will assess the value of items brought in by attendees. 

WHEN: Thursday, April 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

WHERE: SG Home at Second Glance, 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 01930 

TICKETS: $10 each at whatsitworth.eventbrite.com 

Each ticket holder may bring one item to be appraised. Second Glance will also be open for shopping during the event.  

WHAT: Anyone curious to learn the value of an antique or vintage good can purchase a ticket to Second Glance’s What’s it Worth night. Proceeds will support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. 

Appraisers for the event will include: 

  • James Callahan, Asian Art and General Antique Appraiser of Antiques Roadshow 
  • Colleene Fesko, Art (Painting, Watercolor, Sculpture, and Print) Appraiser of Antiques Roadshow 
  • Bryan McMullin, local Gemologist & Jewelry Appraiser 

“This is a rare opportunity for antiques lovers and novices alike to come together, bring in their special items, and revel in the historic and cultural stories of their objects,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “It’s a collision of history and art, all in the name of raising funds to connect local people to good food. We’re so very thankful to our appraisers for donating their time for this special event!” 

“Gloucester never disappoints — and has always been full of interesting people, places and things,” Fesko said. “My colleagues and I are so happy to be supporting the mission of The Open Door and their hunger-relief programs.  You never know what you’ll see (or hear!) at an appraisal event, and I encourage the community and beyond to support this event.” 

“Second Glance has created such a unique opportunity with this event to revel in the unique histories of local antiques all while raising funds for The Open Door. It’s a  community-centric event, and we’re looking forward to seeing what folks bring in for appraisal!” Callahan said.  

Light refreshments will also be available, and the main store at Second Glance will also be open for shopping for ticket-holders only during the event. 

THIS SATURDAY: Holiday Market at Second Glance!

~ todtheopendoor

Shop for clothing, jewelry, handbags, artwork, vintage Christmas, holiday décor and gifts this weekend at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door.

WHEN: Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Second Glance at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA

WHAT: Shop at Second Glance this weekend for a curated selection of one-of-a-kind finds. Sustainable shopping and unique goods make meaningful gifts for the holidays!

Shoppers and donors at Second Glance help raise revenue for The Open Door hunger-relief programs. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org

NEW Folly Coves Added to Second Glance Online Auction

"Head of the Cove" Placemat by Louise Kenyon (1945)
~ todtheopendoor
"Head of the Cove" Placemat by Louise Kenyon (1945)
“Head of the Cove” Placemat by Louise Kenyon (1945) is one of two new designs added to the auction thanks to a generous donor.

Two NEW Folly Cove designs have been added to an online auction by Second Glance to benefit hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.

The new designs include Peggy Norton’s “Deciduous” wall hanging and Louise Kenyon’s “Head of the Cove” placemat. VIEW the designs and BID at bit.ly/follycoveatsg

The online auction, scheduled to close on Thursday, November 16, is being held in conjunction with a special Folly Cove event at Second Glance THIS THURSDAY, November 9.

Elena M. Sarni, author of “Trailblazing Women Printmakers: Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios and The Folly Cove Designers” will share a presentation at the event, followed by a short Q & A and book signing.

Tickets for the event, at $10 each, are also available at bit.ly/follycoveticket.

Additional framed Folly Cove designs, on loan from a collector and not for sale, will also be on display for the event. Second Glance Thrift Store will remain open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 only in conjunction with the event.  

Light refreshments will also be available. 

“Deciduous” Wall Hanging by Peggy Norton (1957)
“Deciduous” Wall Hanging by Peggy Norton (1957) is one of two new designs added to the auction thanks to a generous donor.

Second Glance to Hold Trailblazing Women Printmakers Book Signing and Folly Cove Auction  

~ todtheopendoor
“Gloucester” wall hanging by Eino Natti, created in 1961, is one of three Folly Cove designs being auctioned off by Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door.

Folly Cove enthusiasts and collectors are invited to a special event at Second Glance this November, featuring author Elena M. Sarni. Sarni will share a presentation from her newest book “Trailblazing Women Printmakers: Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios and The Folly Cove Designers,” followed by a book signing.  

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6-8 p.m.  

WHERE: SG Home at Second Glance, 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 01930 

TICKETS: are available for $10 each at bit.ly/follycoveticket. 

ONLINE AUCTION: Second Glance is also holding an online auction for five Folly Cove pieces donated to the store. The auction launched on Thursday, Oct. 26 at bit.ly/follycoveatsg and will remain live through the event. The auction will close one week after the event, on Thursday, Nov. 16. 

“My Friday” placemat by Aino Clarke, created in 1950, is one of three Folly Cove designs being auctioned off by Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door) 
“Fiddle Dee Dee” tablerunner by Aino Clarke, created in 1951, is one of three Folly Cove designs being auctioned off by Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door. (Photo Courtesy of The Open Door) 

Additional framed Folly Cove designs, on loan from a collector and not for sale, will also be on display for the event. Second Glance Thrift Store will remain open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 only in conjunction with the event.  

Light refreshments will also be available. 

Harvest Home Sip & Shop at Second Glance

~ todtheopendoor

Second Glance is holding a special Harvest Home Sip & Shop event THIS SATURDAY.

On Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., shop a selection of high-quality, curated furniture at Second Glance (2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA).

A selection of complimentary coffee, cider, popcorn, and fruit from The Open Door Farmers Truck will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Thank you! As a program of The Open Door, revenue at Second Glance helps fuel hunger-relief programs that serve local people. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org