Rainbow Thrift Shoppe Marks First Year in Fort Atkinson with Anniversary Celebration and Silent Auction

Rainbow Thrift Shoppe Marks First Year in Fort Atkinson with Anniversary Celebration and Silent Auction

FORT ATKINSON, WI (JEFFERSON COUNTY) — One year ago, Rainbow Community Care launched a new sustainable shopping experience to support area families, and this month the organization is celebrating the first anniversary of its Rainbow Thrift Shoppe. Located at 905 Madison Avenue in Fort Atkinson—sharing a building with American Wholesale Furniture—the shoppe has spent the last 12 months turning donated clothing and home goods into critical funding for local compassionate care. Every purchase and donation directly funds vital non-profit services for patients and families throughout Jefferson County and neighboring communities.

To thank the public and mark the milestone, the Rainbow Thrift Shoppe is hosting a special Anniversary Food & Fun Event on Saturday, May 30th.

While the store has built a loyal following since opening its doors, introducing a new staple to the community is a steady, ongoing process.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us, donated items, or given their time this past year," said Amy Amato, Rainbow Thrift Shoppe Manager. "However, we know there are still plenty of neighbors in Jefferson County who don't realize we are here, or that every single dollar spent here stays local. We want to change that and invite everyone to come see what we're all about."

Proceeds from the thrift shoppe directly support Rainbow Community Care’s specialized community programs, such as hospice care, community-based palliative care, advance care planning, grief support, parish nursing, and volunteer services. For over 35 years, Rainbow has provided care for patients in their own homes, assisted living facilities, and since 2011 at the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.

Anniversary Celebration & Silent Auction Details

The anniversary month wraps up on Saturday, May 30th, with a community celebration featuring:

• Complimentary Food: Hot dogs, brats, chips, and cookies served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Extended Shopping: The store will feature special extended hours from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Standard Saturday hours are usually 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
• Anniversary Silent Auction: Bidders can vie for unique items, including a hand-carved waving bear, a new piece of furniture donated by American Wholesale Furniture, a custom gift basket filled with unique thrift store finds, a 2.5' x 5' coffee table with two drawers, and a Green Bay Packers wood block tower game featuring two blocks signed by team legend LeRoy Butler. Bidding will close and winners will be announced around 3 p.m. Winners do not need to be present to win; those not in attendance will be notified by phone.

Shoppers can also take advantage of final anniversary savings that day, including 50% off all Linens and 50% off all Shoes.

A Continuous Need for Volunteers

As the shop heads into its second year, the need for dedicated volunteers remains high. Volunteers are the backbone of the retail operation, helping sort donations, stage creative displays, and greet customers.

"We have a wonderful team, but we are always looking for new volunteers to join our thrift shoppe family," Amato added. "Whether you can spare a few hours a week or a few days a month, you are directly helping alleviate the burdens associated with aging, illness, and loss in our community."

The Rainbow Thrift Shoppe is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individuals interested in volunteering can apply online at www.RainbowCommunityCare.org/Volunteer or contact the volunteer office at (920) 674-4548.