About a year after it nearly doubled in size, Philadelphia AIDS Thrift is gearing up for another expansion.
PAT has signed an agreement to acquire 3,500 square feet of new space in its current location at 710 S. Fifth St., a 30-percent increase in overall space.
Most of the new area, housed in the other half of the building that PAT occupies, will be used for donation processing, although 800 square feet will be utilized for a new sales space on the third floor.
Construction is expected to begin in July and last about a month.
To support the expansion, PAT will host its annual “Summer of Love” fundraising party from 5-9 p.m. June 8 at Magic Garden, 1020 South St.
Christina Kallas, co-founder and volunteer coordinator of PAT, which donates its proceeds to AIDS Fund, said that, when the store moved from its former Bainbridge Street location, organizers hoped for a jump in sales, but have been pleasantly surprised by the sharp influx of support they’ve seen.
“Never in a million years did we think we’d see such a big difference so soon,” she said. “We had no idea that there were so many people who didn’t know who we are, and we’re just around the corner from our old place. We keep having record-breaking day after record-breaking day and seeing so many new faces.”
Since the move in July, PAT has upped its monthly donation to AIDS Fund from $8,000 to $12,000 and recently surpassed $400,000 in total donations to the organization, which disperses funds to regional HIV/AIDS service organizations.
Kallas said the layout of the new space has lent itself well to better sales.
“In our old location, we had the warehouse across the street that we used for furniture and electronics, and it was so cramped that we sometimes had desks piled three deep that you couldn’t really see,” she said. “Now, we have more room so we can display things better so things sell better.”
The rate of growth made the latest expansion irresistible when the chance arose.
“We have almost two times the space as before but we still need more,” Kallas said. “And that’s a testimony to how wonderful and generous the donors are to us. This was a wonderful opportunity and we just had to jump on it.”
Upon moving into its current location, PAT undertook several upgrades, such as overhauling the air-conditioning system.
Store owner Tom Brennan said the expansion will also require a number of remodeling efforts and that next week’s party will help support that work without taking away from the money donated to AIDS Fund.
“We always strive to fund building capital improvements out of money raised at events outside the store, earmarking proceeds from store sales as contributions in support of our mission,” he said.
“Summer of Love” will feature a live performance by The Dangerous Ponies and music by DJ Trans AM, along with food and drinks. Partiers can also take chances on raffles that include prizes such as an overnight trip for two to New York City.
Tickets are $25 or $50 for a VIP package, which includes an open bar and a gift bag.
Tickets are available at the store or at www.phillyaidsthrift.com.
Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.