Seller Story
Leonard Slatkin, benefitting WHOO Upscale Resale for a Cause
Since 2006, WHOO U R Upscale Resale for a Cause has been re-selling high end furniture, clothing, jewelry, and home décor from the Detroit region and donating net profits to qualified charities, particularly those that help meet the needs of individuals suffering from life threatening illness.
When Leonard Slatkin, former Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra — a prominent leader of the city’s cultural community — was looking to sell the contents of his home, WHOO emerged as a natural partner. “ He did a lot to build the Detroit Symphony Orchestra into a world class organization,” says WHOO president and founder Lonna Harlow, of Slatkin, who is moving to St. Louis. “And he took the orchestra into so many communities within the city.”
Proceeds from this collection, the first of its kind in partnership with EBTH, will benefit one of the 5 charities with which WHOO typically works. “We donate to wherever we think we can do the most good,” Harlow explains. Not only does the WHOO boutique recycle goods and put money into worthy causes, but Harlow notes that the organization also plays an important educational role in the community. “When we started working with the Michigan Abolitionists, for example — a group that deals with human trafficking — customers would come in and say ‘Oh, that’s just an urban legend, that doesn’t happen here. Through our work, we raise awareness about real needs in the community."
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
KitchenAid Artisan Series Yellow 5 Quart Stand Mixer With Accessories
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Henredon Houndstooth-Upholstered English Roll-Arm Easy Chair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K Enameled Champagne Bottle Charm
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Drexel Custom-Painted and Parcel-Gilt Media Armoire, Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Watson Sterling Baby Utensils with Floral Motif and Dog Portrait
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
English Cut Glass Decanters with Sterling Silver Rims and Decanter Tags, 1930s
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
1950s Rhinestone Miriam Haskell Brooch
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Dee Sudbury Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting Of Flower Field, Late 20th C.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Hermès "Les Cles" Burgundy and Gold Silk Scarf
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Robert Noble Oil Painting Genre Scene of Man Carrying Ladder, 1878
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Fred Aris Serigraph After Paul Klee "Figure in the Garden"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Lenox "Holiday" and "Holiday Nouveau" Porcelain Dinnerware and Serving Bowl
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Jack Meanwell Abstract Oil Pastel Drawing, Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Large Louis XV Style Painted Trumeau Mirror
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Machine-Stitched Fabric 48-Star American Flag, Mid to Late 20th C.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Swedish Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Glass "Feathers" Etched Glass Bowl
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Bernhardt Baroque Style Walnut-Stained and Rope-Carved Armchair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Citizen Two-Tone Eco-Drive Wristwatch
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Painted Wood Rocking Horse
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Orrefors "Orion" Bowl, Marquis by Waterford "Gemini" Holder With Salt and Pepper
What are some of the highlights of the sale?
The furniture is just magnificent. I think the excelsior set is incredible, as is the black leather couch. There’s also some beautiful leather goods — Bally, Coach, Montblanc and Calvin Klein bags.
Are there any pieces from Slatkin’s career?
Yes! A full size viola, signed by members of the St. Louis Symphony orchestra, where Slatkin was the Music Director and Conductor Laureate from 1979-1996.
What kind of community has developed around WHOO?
We offer opportunities for service; our volunteers have put in hundreds of hours. The WHOO store has a homey feel: we always have music playing, and people come with their coffee to unwind and look at pretty things. It gives me great pleasure to see people find donated treasures and give them new life.