The Sun Sunnyvale's Newspaper Photograph by Skye Dunlap Brenda Ruttenberg browses at the new Discovery Shop, which opened in Sunnyvale last week. The resale shop is the 50th of the chain stores that the American Cancer Society operates in California. The resale items generated more than $4 million last year for cancer research. Cancer donation store opens Hopes to raise funds for research By JUSTIN BERTON Like most grand openings for a new store in a franchise, the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop last weekend was a joyous occasion. But the opening of the state's 50th resale store of its kind was also a grim reminder that the fight against cancer is still far from being won. The Discovery Shop is in the Loehmann Shopping Center at the corner of Hollenbeck and Homestead Road in Sunnyvale. Organizers hope clothing and goods purchased from the upscale stores statewide will provide a record 5 million dollars to aid research and treatment of cancer. "Some people leave their whole estates with us," store manager Frankie Myers said. "We just never know what we'll get." For Myers, managing the store is much more than a side job to keep busy. In March, a small tumor in Myers' left breast was discovered. Shortly after, the chemotherapy started, and she found herself relying upon her coworkers for moral support. Many of the volunteers at the store have gone through what Myers is currently experiencing. "I'm working with survivors," Myers said. "That's what's important to me." Though the racks include designer labels on some formal dresses and tailored suits, the shop also includes sensible clothing and everyday goods. Myers, who first managed a Discovery Shop in San Jose, said she received so many donations from the Sunnyvale-Cupertino area, the location for the new shop made perfect sense. For more than 33 years, the shops have provided financial support for research and treatment in the fight against cancer. Last year, the Discovery Shops in California helped raise $4 million dollars. Myers said the new location will put them over the $5 million mark this year. Already, Sunnyvale residents have filled the racks with donations. On opening day last weekend, the store made $2,500, "Which is great for a brand new store," Myers said. One resident donated a turn of the century Iranian Heriz carpet. Myers said its estimated worth is $13,000. The price tag at the Discovery Shop is $8,000. "It's a work of art," Myers said, "not just a carpet." The Discovery Shops began in southern California in 1965 after a woman named Denise Noel decided she wanted to create a continual fundraising activity for the American Cancer Society. Noel's mother died of cancer. "I wanted something that we could do year-round," Noel said. "It just sort of moved on from there. I only intended to open one store." Now, there are more than 100 stores nationwide, relying upon 2,500 volunteers to work the floor. Since 1965, the stores have raised more than $88.7 million. Noel said the decidedly upscale quality of the merchandise at the stores gives both customers and donators good reason to feel upright about their deeds. "We want people who have something really nice to give not only for the importance of the cause, but also to know their property is going to receive a fair pricing. We've got our own niche. The store in Sunnyvale spells out what we're trying to accomplish." Noel said research showed 1997 was the first year a decrease in the cancer rate was recorded nationwide. She credited education on the risks of cigarette smoking and efforts by the American Cancer Society. Despite the good news, Noel said the Discovery Shops and the American Cancer Society are hardly ready to rest on their laurels. "We have reason to be more encouraged, but I'd say our role is hardly finished." In December, another Discovery Shop is due to open in Burlingame, and two more will open in San Francisco next year. "As the saying goes," Myers said, "The cure for cancer may be in your closet." [ Back to Contents Page | Sunnyvale Sun Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, November 18, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.