What started with a handful of tables outside a few Village Homes has grown into one of Wesley Lea Hill‘s most anticipated annual traditions: Wesley’s Basement Boutique.
The Auburn community’s annual garage sale, affectionately known as the Basement Boutique, is celebrating nearly two decades of bringing neighbors together, supporting resident programs and giving cherished belongings a second life.
Held annually in conjunction with the City of Auburn Community Yard Sale, the Basement Boutique beneath Eby Lodge is open to the greater community. It offers shoppers a thoughtfully organized collection of quality home décor, kitchen treasures, books, artwork, furniture and other unique finds. All items are carefully curated by a dedicated team of resident volunteers.
“It’s really become more of a boutique than a garage sale,” says head resident volunteer Judy Meyer. “That’s how the name came about, and it just stuck.”
Basement Boutique’s Humble Beginnings
The sale first began in 2008 with only a few residents displaying items in front of their Village Home. As participation grew, so did the event. Today, the Basement Boutique operates year-round. Residents donate quality household items while downsizing, moving into Lea Hill or transitioning to different levels of care, giving those treasures a second life with someone else.
“Residents are always asking if anything new has come in,” Judy says with a smile. “It’s a little like Christmas every time we walk downstairs and find a table full of new donations waiting to be sorted.”
Curated Treasures and Community Teamwork
Volunteers carefully sort and curate every donation, ensuring only quality items make it to the sales floor. Large furniture, electronics, damaged or incomplete items are declined. However, shoppers can expect to find everything from kitchen gadgets, small appliances, dishes, books, artwork, tools, coffee tables, dining sets and home décor.
If a piece of furniture needs a little TLC, Lea Hill’s talented woodshop volunteers restore it before it’s offered for sale.
“They’re wonderful,” Judy says. “They can touch up furniture and make it look as good as new.”
The Boutique has become such a destination that staff members often stop by during breaks to see what’s new. Residents frequently bring grandchildren shopping for first apartments, dorm rooms or starter homes.
“I love seeing residents shopping with their kids and grandkids,” Judy says. “It’s fun knowing these items get another life with another family.”
Although the sale lasts just two days, it takes about 40 hours of preparation. Judy and a dedicated team of volunteers spend weeks sorting, pricing, organizing and creating inviting displays.
Each year more than a dozen volunteers lend a hand with everything from pricing merchandise, staffing the checkout table, directing traffic and putting up flyers. Many return each year, making the Basement Boutique a true community effort.
Supporting the Community
The Basement Boutique raised approximately $1,700 in both 2025 and 2026. Every dollar supported the Lea Hill Resident Council and programs that enhance community life. Proceeds help fund Wesley U classes, special activities, neighborhood gatherings and campus improvements.
One recent project funded by Resident Council dollars was the installation of a new door connecting the exercise room directly to the community garden, allowing residents to easily come and go to enjoy the outdoor space.
Resident Council funds also help each neighborhood host social gatherings, from pizza parties to community celebrations.
A Natural Fit for Judy
Judy’s connection to Lea Hill began years before she became a resident. Her mother, brother and sister-in-law, and later her husband all called the community home. When the perfect apartment became available, Judy knew it was the right time to move in herself.
After she moved in, Judy began helping her neighbor across-the-hall to organize the Basement Boutique. After her friend retired, Judy gladly stepped into the leadership role.
“What I love most is meeting people,” Judy says. “I’ve met so many residents who are moving in or moving out, and I’ve gotten to know the staff who stop by. I’ve been in residents’ apartments helping them decide what to donate, and over time, we’ve become good friends.”
A Tradition Worth Celebrating
What began as a few tables outside the Village Homes has grown into a cherished tradition fueled by generous donations, dedicated volunteers and leaders like Judy Meyer. Every purchase gives treasured items a second life while helping strengthen the Wesley Lea Hill community.