View the original publication at the Sarasota Scene
By Reno Gomez | April 2026
Since 1987, the SPARCC Treasure Chest has been Sarasota’s go-to destination for high-end clothing, jewelry, furniture, home accessories, collectibles, and more—offering remarkable luxury finds at unbeatable prices. While the shop is a dream for bargain hunters searching for unique designer pieces, its impact reaches far beyond retail. Proceeds from the resale store directly support the mission of Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), helping build a future free from domestic and sexual violence.
SPARCC is the only state-certified center for domestic and sexual violence serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties. The organization provides a comprehensive range of services, including emergency shelter, counseling, hospital and court accompaniment, legal services, and support groups. Revenue from the Treasure Chest helps fund these programs, which are offered free of charge to survivors seeking safety and a path forward.
For many individuals experiencing abuse, financial control is a powerful barrier to leaving a harmful relationship. In fact, financial abuse affects as many as 99 percent of victims in abusive partnerships, often leaving them feeling trapped and unable to provide for themselves or their children without assistance. To help break this cycle, SPARCC provides survivors with vouchers that allow them to shop the Treasure Chest at no cost.
“It costs a lot to start over,” explains SPARCC President and CEO Jessica Hays. “If we’re able to ease that burden in small ways through what the community contributes, it can make a tremendous difference. Sometimes it’s something simple, like helping someone find an outfit they feel confident wearing to court. Other times it’s much larger—like furnishing an entire home.”
In 2025 alone, SPARCC provided more than $81,000 worth of clothing and household goods through these vouchers. The program reflects SPARCC’s philosophy of empowerment: survivors are not handed a bag of predetermined items. Instead, they are given the same experience as any other shopper—the ability to choose items for themselves, free from judgment or scrutiny. For many survivors, that simple freedom can be a powerful step in reclaiming independence.
Community Connection
From its grassroots beginnings—when a handful of volunteers sorted donations in a small storefront on Tamiami Trail—the Treasure Chest has grown into a thriving resale destination thanks to the continued generosity of the Sarasota community. Even today, as the shop approaches four decades of service, volunteers remain the heart of the operation.
“We have three paid staff members, and the rest of our team is made up of volunteers,” says Hays. “Last year alone, more than 5,200 volunteer hours were dedicated to the store. It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with people who want to support our mission and make a difference in their community. Some of our volunteers have been with us since the very beginning.”
Today, the Treasure Chest’s reach extends beyond its physical storefront. Through online resale platforms such as eBay and Poshmark, supporters from across the country can help empower survivors in Sarasota. Continued community support also helps the organization expand its offerings, with plans to introduce a dedicated boutique section showcasing high-quality, curated donations.
Last year, the Treasure Chest accounted for approximately 11 percent of SPARCC’s total revenue, including proceeds from the boutique featured at the organization’s annual SPARCC Runway Fashion Show. The highly anticipated luncheon—held at The Ritz-Carlton and sold out this past March—features volunteers modeling designer fashions sourced from the Treasure Chest, along with silent auctions and post-event entertainment.
“All the clothing on the runway comes directly from the Treasure Chest,” says Hays. “That’s part of the fun. People who donate to the store may even see their items showcased on the runway. We also set up a boutique with hundreds of the store’s best pieces, so guests often leave with a unique treasure.”
Donations of men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, household items, artwork, and furniture are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Household items such as linens, small appliances, and home décor are also welcome.
Each donated item, each volunteer hour, and each purchase helps SPARCC continue its critical work—transforming everyday bargains into meaningful support for survivors rebuilding their lives.
For more information, visit sparcc.net/treasure-chest.
