By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
RAVENA — Justice for Orphans is launching the ReFurnishings Thrift & Flip Challenge, a unique event that combines creativity, sustainability, and community engagement to support children and families in crisis.
Participants will transform secondhand furniture or décor into one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces, which will be auctioned off to benefit Justice for Orphans’ mission.
The challenge will culminate in a public reception and live auction at The Wire event center in Coxsackie on May 4, from 2-5 p.m.
HOW THE CHALLENGE WORKS
• Selection Day: Participants will choose their piece at ReFurnishings on March 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Transformation Period: Over the following weeks, participants will restore and reimagine their items, documenting their progress on social media.
• Auction and Awards: The finished projects will be displayed at The Wire, where attendees can see the transformations and make their bids. Interested parties can also bid online. Prizes will be awarded in various “Best of” categories.
“This event is about more than just flipping furniture—it’s about flipping lives,” said Sandra Flach, founder of Justice for Orphans. “Every piece auctioned helps fund vital programs for children and families in need. We invite the community to get involved, whether by participating, sponsoring, or attending the auction.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
• Participate: Registration opened March 1 and the deadline to sign up for the competition is March 20.
• Attend: Tickets for the reception and auction are $20 online or $25 at the door.
• Sponsor: Local businesses can support the event through sponsorship opportunities, gaining valuable marketing exposure while making a meaningful impact.
The auction will feature hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a live bidding experience where guests can take home beautifully reimagined furniture while supporting Justice for Orphans’ CarePortal program.
Since launching in 2018, CarePortal has helped over 11,000 children across the Capital Region by providing essential furniture and household items to families working to reunite with children in foster care or prevent placements altogether.
“We’re not just flipping furniture—we’re flipping the script for families in crisis,” said Sue Roseberger, store manager at ReFurnishings. “This event will provide critical resources while celebrating the creativity and generosity of our community.”
For more information, to register, or to sponsor the event, visit www.justicefororphansny.org/thrift-flip.
