Donnie Lancaster (seated) a volunteer with the Gold Mine Resale Shop for the past 27 years ‘retired’ on Friday, May 3, just three days prior to her 92nd birthday.  Lancaster has been a volunteer at the original Gold Mine store on the corner of Emmet and Washington streets in Petoskey almost since its inception. Pictured celebrating Lancaster’s many years of service include (top photo, clockwise from left) Deb Smith, WRCNM Assistant Director; Chris Krajewski, WRCNM Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Program Director; Jan Mancinelli, WRCNM Executive Director and (bottom photo, clockwise from left) Tonya Wardlow, Gold Mine Resale Shop manager; and staff members Janice Pizii and Bernie Yettaw.

 
Donnie Lancaster, a dedicated volunteer, longtime supporter and ardent advocate of the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) will celebrate her 92nd birthday on May 6.  She decided it was time to set a retirement goal and her 92nd birthday seemed an appropriate date.  When reflecting on her 27 years of volunteer work at the WRCNM’s Gold Mine Resale Shop, she said you kind of “grow into the place” and that it had given her a sense of purpose.

“I always felt better coming in,” said Lancaster.  “It was my pick-me-up for the end of the week.”  Every Friday for 27 years customers of the Gold Mine Resale Shop would find Lancaster ready to assist them with their shopping and purchases.  According to Lancaster, she was at the store every Friday unless she was sick or away from town.

Lancaster began volunteering with the original Gold Mine Resale Shop, at the corner of Emmet and Washington streets in Petoskey, shortly after moving to the area in 1986 when she was 65 years old.  Reflecting on all her years of dedication she indicated that every day had been different and fun.

“Donnie is by far the longest standing volunteer the Center has ever had,” said Jan Mancinelli, WRCNM Executive Director.  “Not only have we had the gift of her time and effort throughout the years, we have also benefited and had so much fun with a very unique and spirited personality.  She has given much over the years and we were truly blessed to have such a strong and dedicated volunteer with us.  She will be missed.”

Gold Mine store manager, Tonya Wardlow added, “The customers have enjoyed interacting with Donnie over the years.  Helpful, loyal, dedicated are all words that describe this strong-willed woman,” said Wardlow.

When asked if a single memory or moment stood out during her many years of volunteer service Lancaster simply said, “I’ve met a lot of truly lovely, lovely people.”

The Women’s Center established the original Gold Mine Resale Shop in 1981 at 1002 Emmet Street, Petoskey and opened a second location in 2008 which is now located at 1878 U.S. 31 North Highway, Petoskey.  Dollars raised from sales at both Gold Mine stores are critical to the agency to help support programs and services relied on by thousands of women, children and families every year.