Not-So-Hidden Treasures

Monday, January 7, 2019

A vintage edition of the human anatomy textbook “Gray’s Anatomy,” with a stethoscope included. A Wolfgang Puck-branded mini-potpie cooker. Shimmering silver shoes and video game guitar controllers.

Faculty and staff browsed all these and more at Pitt’s second annual Re-Gift and Thrift Sale, supporting the 2018 United Way Campaign. Taking place in the Cathedral of Learning’s Commons Room on Friday, Jan. 4, items for sale included jewelry, clothing, electronics and home goods.

Bargains abounded. Books were two for $1. A painting featuring a city landscape was $5. There were two Nintendo Wii video game systems, one of which included a bundled “Guitar Hero” game, for $30.

The event was staffed by volunteers from around the Pitt community. In particular, Pitt Police volunteers not only participated in the sale, but also helped move donations dropped off in Pitt parking lots, as well as receive last-minute donations in the days leading up to the event.

The sale raised $860 — $60 more than the previous year — and leftover merchandise was donated to Goodwill by the University. More importantly, as Kate McGlynn, campaign director and manager of administration in the Office of Institutional Advancement, noted, “Everyone had a blast!”

Contact:

Will Entrekin will.entrekin@pitt.edu (412) 648-4493
Category:
Workplace
Tags: United Way Campaign sale special events Commons Room
  • They might not have been ruby slippers, but these sparkly high heels were among apparel including jackets, slacks and shirts available for sale at the second-annual Re-Gift and Thrift Sale, benefitting Pitt’s 2018 United Way Campaign. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
  • Ed Apel, electrician, Facilities Management, poses with a guitar video game controller. Some lucky customer can rock out a sweet solo to the Beatles game included in the system. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
  • A $5 vintage edition of “Gray’s Anatomy” came bundled with a stethoscope. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
  • On the left, Kate McGlynn, campaign director and manager of administration in the Office of Institutional Advancement, bags a fryer purchased by Nate McCoy, Facilities Management. “I need all the gadgets,” said McCoy, who loves to cook. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
  • Mike Casella served as United Way campaign manager for Computing Services and Systems Development this year. He purchased the urban landscape painting and lamp to decorate his desk. "Fundraising events are fun, and a great way to help the local community and bond with your coworkers at the same time," he said. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
  • Rushwana Khan, sponsored project accounts supervisor in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, bought books for her niece and nephew, who are 5 and 6 years old. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
  • From left are Sarah Vinski and Cathy Collins, both from Computing Services and Systems Development. Vinski, who browsed last year’s sale as well, noted “you always get some cool stuff.” (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
  • This goose was not just a holiday decoration, but also used to display some of the jewelry for sale at the event. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)