Community Spotlight: The Discovery Shop

The Discovery Shop at Smith Mountain Lake has been a cherished part of the community for 20 years. It offers an inviting, cheerful space where shoppers can explore a wide range of gently-used, affordably-priced household items.

Proceeds from the shop, like those of nearly 70 other American Cancer Society (ACS) Discovery Shops across the nation, fund ACS research and patient support programs.

However, the The Discovery Shop at Smith Mountain Lake stands apart. Unlike its counterparts, it doesn’t handle clothing. Instead, it specializes in furniture, household goods, electronics, toys, games, collectibles, artwork, fine and costume jewelry, books and CDs. Most of the treasures on display are generously donated by local residents, though shoppers will also find new furniture and décor donated by businesses after being showcased at the renowned High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina.

Another distinguishing feature: the shop is entirely staffed and managed by volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves. This unique model ensures overhead costs are limited to essentials like rent and utilities, maximizing the benefit to ACS programs.

A Celebrated 20-Year Legacy

The SML Discovery Shop owes its origins to the vision and determination of lake residents Betty Lesko and Ann Shelton. Having founded and worked at the Roanoke Discovery Shop since 1995, they recognized the need for a similar store at Smith Mountain Lake in 2003. Though ACS management initially tabled the idea due to challenges with other Discovery Shops, the duo didn’t give up.

Their persistence was bolstered by Dee Kropf, a retired IBM executive and breast cancer survivor, who joined the cause in 2001. Dee’s updated business case proved critical, demonstrating the feasibility of an all-volunteer shop—a pioneering concept for ACS at the time.

Lesko and Shelton rallied the community, recruiting volunteers, soliciting merchandise and organizing fundraisers. They also appointed a skilled management team comprised of Judy Breckenridge, Ann Kosel and Debbi Thomas.

By Sept. 22, 2004, after overcoming challenges like securing a retail space and building sufficient inventory, the shop opened its doors with over 200 volunteers and overwhelming community support.

Building Success Through Partnerships

From the beginning, partnerships with High Point Furniture Market exhibitors played a crucial role. Volunteers made their first trip to High Point in 2005, returning with donations from 18 exhibitors. Over the years, this network has expanded to 150 exhibitors, with market-donated merchandise now contributing 50 percent of the shop’s revenue.

Jewelry also became a signature offering early on, thanks to volunteer Breda McAuliffe, who led efforts to appraise fine jewelry and create costume pieces from collected beads.

A Community Treasure

The shop’s first-year sales of $141,000 doubled initial projections, thanks in part to favorable lease terms provided by supportive landlord Jim McKelvey. His ongoing commitment to the shop’s mission has been instrumental to its success.

In its first 20 years, the SML Discovery Shop has raised nearly $5 million for the American Cancer Society. Beyond its financial impact, it has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors, offering a warm, uplifting shopping experience and the thrill of finding one-of-a-kind treasures.

Whether you’re a loyal patron or a first-time visitor, the SML Discovery Shop promises a delightful and meaningful shopping experience, all in support of a vital cause.

The Discovery Shop

Founded: September 2004

Vision: To raise money for the American Cancer Society to fund advocacy, research and patient programs that improve the lives of people with cancer and their families. 

Services: Sales of high-quality, gently-used furniture, electronics, artwork, jewelry and home décor, plus new home décor from the High Point Furniture Market. Proceeds support the American Cancer Society.

Address and hours: Main shop: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Sells donated goods. Annex: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sells High Point furniture market goods. 

How you can help: Shop, donate items and/or volunteer

Contact: 540-721-0050, facebook.com/smldiscoveryshop