Goodwill CEO Lisa Rusyniak Shares Shocking $40,000 Discovery

EVERY thrifter’s dream is to walk into a Goodwill store and score a luxury item worth thousands of dollars for just a few bucks.

The painting, Marche aux fleurs by French impressionist Edouard Leon Cortés, was dropped off at a rural Maryland Goodwill store. An employee noticed its potential and alerted manager Terri Tonelli. “The hair on the back of my neck stood up,” Tonelli said. She Googled the artist’s name, confirmed its value, and sent it to experts.

From Thrift Store to Auction House

The artwork was cleaned and appraised at Sotheby’s auction house in New York, eventually selling for $40,600. While thrifters missed the chance to buy it cheaply, the profit supported a major community project: the Excel Center.

Opened two years ago, this free high school helps adults aged 21+ in Baltimore earn diplomas. “We’re over-enrolled, with waiting lists,” Rusyniak said. The center tackles generational poverty, even attracting three generations of one family to enroll.

How Goodwill Spots Hidden Gems

Rusyniak explained that valuable items like the Cortés painting are “donated all the time” without sellers knowing their worth. Employees are trained to identify potential treasures, which are then sold to fund job training, education, and other services.

In another example, Goodwill found thousands of dollars worth of Le Creuset cookware, while a shopper once snagged Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City wedding dress for $19. However, high-value items often bypass store floors to maximize profits for community programs.

Tariffs Could Boost Thrifting, Says CEO

Rusyniak also shared how Trump-era tariffs on Chinese goods (145%) might drive more shoppers to thrift stores. “As prices rise, we see more customers,” she said. This supports Goodwill’s mission to recycle goods and reduce landfill waste.

China retaliated with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods, but Rusyniak believes the trade war highlights thrifting’s affordability. “It’s a win for the community and the planet,” she added.

A Model for Change

The $40,000 painting sale underscores Goodwill’s impact. Beyond reselling clothes, the nonprofit transforms unexpected donations into life-changing opportunities. For Baltimore’s Excel Center students, that means breaking cycles of poverty through education.

“We’re making a difference,” Rusyniak said, noting the school’s rapid growth. With ongoing donations and savvy shoppers, Goodwill aims to keep fueling this cycle of giving and growth.