Unity Shoppe in Santa Barbara sells items once belonging to founder Barbara Tellefson
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Unity Shoppe held an estate sale this weekend at the historic Mission Canyon Road home of its late founder.
Founder Barbara Tellefson gave the shoppe her all and is still giving.
Tellefson passed away in November 2020 just weeks before the annual Unity Shoppe telethon. She was 84 years old and left behind a legacy.
On both Saturday and Sunday this weekend, art antiques, clothing and more of the founder's collections were sold at her home with proceeds benefitting the Unity Shoppe.
"I'm finding a lot of great deals and I also want to donate a little more money to give to Unity," said shopper Kelly Finefrock.
Inspired by her own humble beginning, Tellefson allowed low-income residents to choose what they wanted and need at the Unity Shoppe.
Kenny Loggins joined her for the telethon, an entertaining fundraiser that is aired on KEYT each year.
Thanks to Brad Paisley, a similar shoppe is now open in Nashville, Tennessee.
"She gave her heart and soul to the Unity Shoppe throughout many many decades and our estate sale today is so that we can continue Barbara's wishes in the future for another hundred years," said Unity Board Chair Susan Rodriguez.
"Our goal is to do anything we can to take care of people less privileged," said Board member Jerry Herzberg.
The sales were held on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.