BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Boutique at the Rink is no more. Sort of.
The Boutique at the Rink, a sale of new and gently used clothing, household goods, antiques, collectibles and more to benefit the fight against cancer, has a new name, date and location.
The Leadership Team of Boutique at the Rink announced several changes Monday — in conjunction with Cancer Support Community–Greater Lehigh Valley and St. Luke’s University Health Network.
The event, as it enters its 49th year, now will be known as the Boutique for Hope.
For this year's 49th Boutique for Hope, collection days will take place from May 19 through May 31, excluding May 25 and 26.
"This new name truly encapsulates the support the event provides for all cancer patients, caregivers and their families in our Greater Lehigh Valley area," a release from the Cancer Support Community-Greater Lehigh Valley said.
It also will move from its historic location at the skating rink at Illicks Mill in Bethlehem
The event also now will take place at St. Luke's SportsPlex, at 4636 Crackersport Road in Allentown.
The release says the location will offer "significant indoor space," and an air-conditioned and weather-protected environment for shoppers and volunteers.
Last year, the Boutique at the Rink sale was held May 28-June 1. Now, collection days will take place from May 19 through May 31, excluding May 25 and 26.
The sale will begin June 11 and run through June 14.
A history — and who benefits
The Boutique at the Rink says of its website that it was begun in 1974 by a group of "dedicated Bethlehem Steel company wives."
"Today, more than 400 community volunteers run the event each spring," the website says.
The Boutique at the Rink benefits three organizations serving cancer patients and their families in the Lehigh Valley.
In 2023, the boutique raised more than $315,000 and donated $100,000 each to the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley, St. Luke’s Cancer Center, and St. Luke’s Hospice, according to the website.
For more up-to-date information, visit the event's new website at boutiqueforhope.com.
