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
Louis Vuitton Mini Sac HL Handbag in Monogram Canvas
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Douglas “Bumo” Johnpeer Landscape Oil Painting, 2024
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Waterford Crystal Millennium Collection Champagne Bucket Featuring Five Wishes
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Robert Riddle Baker Landscape Acrylic Painting "Last of the Day," 2023
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Stained Glass Window Panel With Floral Motif
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Faino Oil Painting of Still Life with Flowers
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K 1.70 CT Sapphire and Diamond Navette Ring
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Oil Painting of Spring Landscape, Mid-20th Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Impasto Style Landscape Offset Lithograph, 21st Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Offset Lithograph After Claude Monet "Le Bassin des Nympheas"
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Pair of Faux Leather, Brass-Tacked and Ebonized Wood Club Chairs
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Fulper Pottery Earthenware Amphora Vessel With Drip Glaze, Early 20th C.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
W. LeNoury Maritime Oil Painting of Ship at Sea
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Hollywood Regency Style Brass and Blue Velveteen Upholstered Stools
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Southwestern Desert Landscape Oil Painting, 1987
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Michael Kors Everest Two-Tone Wristwatch
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
7'11 x 11'3 Machine Made Oriental Weavers "Nirvana Collection" Area Rug
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Mechanical School Speed Limit Sign
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Jack Meanwell Abstract Figurative Watercolor Painting, 1978
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
5'6 x 7'3 Hand-Knotted Persian Kurdish Area Rug
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.