Pink Shutter celebrates 50 years with open house and discounts

[November 29, 2011]  The Pink Shutter in downtown Lincoln is marking its 50th year in business with a celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. The public is invited to the open house, with punch and cookies served. In addition, special discounts will be offered throughout the day.

The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Auxiliary opened the doors to the Pink Shutter in November 1961. The idea was to raise money for auxiliary-funded functions.

In the years since, it's become more than just a resale shop. It's an extension of ALMH's mission to improve the health of the people and communities it serves. The ALMH Auxiliary has funded more than $600,000 in technology and projects to benefit fellow community members seeking care at the hospital.

"The Pink Shutter has a long list of projects that includes not only hospital renovations but also technology such as mammography and cardiac rehab equipment that help ALMH employees deliver care," said Jennifer Heidbreder, manager of the Pink Shutter. "This week, we want to recognize not only 50 years of the Pink Shutter, but also the 30 volunteers who help us keep the shop open and operating day after day."

Volunteers help sort and price items, keep displays neat, and greet customers.

The Pink Shutter is located at 114 N. McLean St. and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

ALMH is a critical-access hospital that has served the community since 1902. Now located on Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln, the hospital employs more than 290 in a wide variety of job functions and is affiliated with Memorial Health System in Springfield.

[Text from file received from Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital]