Does everyone recall two weeks ago when I shared what my wife and I experienced at the Horizon Goodwill Awards Dinner? Interestingly enough, a conversation I had with a table guest that evening is actually making news. Come along with me and I’ll share the fascinating story of how Hagerstown’s Downtown Movement is helping add some excitement this weekend, and Horizon Goodwill is smack dab in the middle of it!
“Are You Familiar With The Downtown Movement?”
That was the question Horizon Goodwill’s Social Media Specialist Kacey Trent posed to Melissa and I right about the time I was enjoying my second plate of prime rib. Although my family has been here for just about a year, we’re still discovering all the incredible things Washington County has to offer, so I was really intrigued by Kacey’s comment. Remembering what my mother taught me over four decades ago, I waited until I swallowed before opening my mouth to respond, but my wife beat me to punch.
“No. Is that something Horizon Goodwill is also involved with?”
“Well,” Kacey replied, “we will be this year!”
She went on to explain the mission of the Downtown Movement, which is a community organization whose purpose is to inspire the Hagerstown community to revitalize the central business district. Two to three times a year, this group of dedicated residents invites area businesses to set up shop downtown over the course of a weekend, asking the community to visit downtown for some amazing food, products and fun. It just so happens the next “Pop Up Shop Event” takes place this Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31st, conveniently running alongside the Western Maryland Blues Fest.
Missy was eager to hear more, as Kacey detailed how Horizon Goodwill would be taking part for the first time. I, on the other hand, was having a hard time focusing on the conversation, finding my attention drawn to the Double Chocolate Chocolate Cake that was coming out of the kitchen.
Kacey continued: “This year we are going to set up shop in one of the downtown stores and hand select items from our local Horizon Goodwill locations to sell. We’re calling it ‘The Blue Door, a boutique by Goodwill’. What do you think?”
“I think we’ll be stopping downtown to check it out!” Missy laughed. “I love boutiques! What type of items will The Blue Door have?”
“A little bit of everything. Vintage clothing, jewelry, glassware, furniture, fashionable items for children, women…and men.” Kacey turned to look at me with that last comment. “Sure, yes, we’ll check it out” I replied. “It sounds a bit pricey, though, I mean, it’s a boutique.”
“That’s the best part,” Kacey said excitedly, “even though all the items have been hand selected, pricing is the same as if you were shopping at our Goodwill stores!”
There was no way of getting that genie back in the bottle! Melissa was hooked, there was no doubt about it. Make sure you take some time to check out the Horizon Goodwill boutique located at 60 West Washington Street this weekend. If you see Kacey say “Hello” and if you see a gray haired, frazzled husband carrying a bunch of ladies clothing as he follows his attractive wife around the shop—that will be me!