Ashby Ponds Donates Over $11,000 from "Treasures" in 2012

(Ashburn, Va.) - Shortly after Ashby Ponds opened its doors in the September 2008, the new residents began to organize the Treasure Chest, an on-site thrift shop that accepts donations from residents at the community and in turn sells the items for a good cause.   All of the proceeds collected at the Treasure Chest go directly to the Scholars Fund and the Benevolent Care Fund at Ashby Ponds.  During 2012, $11,655.01 was donated to these two causes from Treasure Chest proceeds.

"We all feel it is a worthwhile endeavor," said Ashby Ponds resident and Treasure Chest committee co-chair Joanne Harney.

The Benevolent Care Fund provides support to residents who, despite careful planning, outlive their financial resources.  The money raised for the fund allows residents to continue living at the community.   Since 2010, the Scholars Fund has provided scholarships to students who work at the community in a variety of capacities from servers to restaurant assistants to service coaches, among others.  Students who meet specific qualifications may be eligible for up to a $4000 scholarship from Ashby Ponds paid directly to the college or trade school of their choice. In addition to the donations from the Treasure Chest, funds for both the Benevolent Care Fund and Scholars Fund are

raised from a number of events held throughout the year at Ashby Ponds.
Harney works with fellow resident Frank Maccini in managing the Treasure Chest, but they are not alone in their efforts.  Over forty resident volunteers like Marilynn Beyer help out in the shop with a variety of tasks from organizing the donated items to keeping track of the proceeds.

"Whether helping to price donated items, preparing them for display or stocking, or selling them, being a volunteer worker for the Treasure Chest is very satisfying," said Beyer.

According to Beyer, the Treasure Chest's inventory of changes from month to month ranging from  living room and dining room furniture to lamps, chairs, rugs, pictures and paintings, chinaware, vacuums, tools, and kitchenware.
"The residents enjoy shopping at the Treasure Chest, and are delighted when they find 'just the right item' for their new Ashby Ponds apartment home," said Beyer.

Also amazed by some of the wonderful items that are donated to the shop, Harney noted that one of the most interesting was a collection of plates that the Treasure Chest committee was able to sell on eBay.
"We've seen a lot of unique collections," said Harney

During the holiday season, the Treasure Chest had a large assortment of festive items and decorations available for purchase including artificial wreaths and trees, and collections of mugs, plates, and ornaments.  Now, the Treasure Chest committee is busy preparing for their first sale of the year at the end of the January.
About Ashby Ponds:  Ashby Ponds, one of 16 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.).  The community is home to over 700 residents and is filled with fascinating people and fantastic opportunities.  With over 100 resident-run and resident-driven clubs and groups, an indoor pool, a fitness club, transportation services, 24-hour security, and flexible dining options, life at Ashby Ponds offers a true sense of community and is an exciting alternative to the typical retirement community.  More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at: www.ericksonliving.com.