2014: Tossed & Found

The Junior League of Washington’s “Tossed & Found” fundraising effort grabbed the 2014 Award for Fund Development. Homeless families, jobless military veterans and individuals in transition from shelters to new housing are among those who benefit from the sale’s deeply discounted clothing, toys, electronics and household goods—as well as community cash cards, gift cards subsidized by member donations, and a special Bag Day on which shoppers, for only $40, can stuff a bag with all the merchandise that will fit inside.

Begun humbly in 1993 at a rented civic center following the shuttering of JLW’s thrift shop, Tossed & Found is now the League’s largest and most lucrative fundraiser with operating costs of under $10,000, revenue of as much as $128,000, and thousands of volunteer hours. Proceeds are used to underwrite programming, grants and scholarships.