Cloud 9, a consignment and thrift store at 6518 Roosevelt Way N.E., does more than just buy and sell clothes, furniture and books. It also donates 100 percent of its profits to local and global charities.
Throughout the year, various charities apply for grants from Cloud 9. Twice annually, the grant-review board looks over the proposals and divides the profits from the last six months among the charities that are chosen as worthy recipients.
Diane Whittle, who has managed Cloud 9 for the last 22 years and is a member of the grant-review board, said the selected charities are usually small and depend on grant money for their survival.
The review board is currently looking at proposals and will announce the new grant recipients next month.
Cloud 9 distributes its profits equally between community and global charities, according to its website. Whittle said that, in the past, Cloud 9 has supported local charities that benefit the elderly, children and battered women. In addition, Cloud 9 is currently working with a charity that helps educate women in Pakistan.
'HELPING THE LITTLE GUY'
The recipients of the grants are not the only ones to benefit from Cloud 9. Since Cloud 9 is a consignment store, community members who want to supplement their income can sell items to the store and receive a portion of the money earned on the sale.
According to Whittle, many of the people who consign with Cloud 9 are elderly. She said many retired people receive benefits from the government or other sources, but Cloud 9 "tries to help the little guy that doesn't."
Even the nearly 75 "angels," as Cloud 9 workers are called, reap benefits, even though all staff members are volunteers.
Illustrating the fact that Cloud 9 is a blessing for everyone involved, Whittle related the story of a woman who purchased a set of blue velvet chairs recently.
The customer came in looking for a set of two matching chairs for herself and her sister and was overjoyed to find exactly what she was looking for. She purchased the two chairs and seemed "as happy as could be."
Whittle, who made the sale, felt equally glad to be able to provide the customer with her prized find. And, of course, the beneficiaries of the charities that will be awarded the profits from that sale will reap further benefit from the purchase.
A CHURCH BAZAAR
Cloud 9, which is owned by St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Laurelhurst, has been in operation for 49 years.
A group of St. Stephen's churchwomen founded it as a way to create something like a year-round church bazaar. The result was the opening of a consignment store that was run from a house.
As it grew over the years, Cloud 9 was moved to its current location and has been going strong ever since.
Although about 60 percent of the current volunteers are not members of the church, St. Stephen's churchwomen have the final say on who will receive the grants.
Most volunteers are 60 and older. Whittle said many of volunteers are searching for a way to fill their time after retirement. Cloud 9 gives them not only a way to occupy their time, but a true sense of accomplishment.
At Cloud 9, "Everybody's really happy, and they have a good time," Whittle said. "I can't give them medical insurance, but I always give them treats."
Cloud 9's consignments are by appointment only, and appointments can be made for Monday mornings, Tuesday evenings and one Saturday every month. Donations are accepted during normal store hours. For more information, call 525-4440 or go on-line to www.cloud9consign.org.
