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C hances are high that if you visit e Country Friends Consignment Shop on El Tordo, arguably the oldest retail store in Rancho Santa Fe, you'll be sure to find a treasure, or see someone you know. Ever since it opened its doors, the shop has been a community gathering place, a "home" for dedicated volunteers, and a source for new or gently used furniture, home accessories, holiday décor, crystal, and art. e shop was founded in 1954 by e Country Friends, the philanthropic organization now led by President Janean Stripe, which raises funds through shop sales and fundraisers to benefit San Diego-based nonprofits with emphasis on those providing services to women, children, the elderly, military families, and persons with disabilities. Consignment Manager Yvette Letourneau, who also serves as e Country Friends executive director, is known for her bright smile and bubbly personality. She has headed up the shop for 15 years, following in the footsteps of the late, beloved Jean Newman. e shop's biggest sale was an entire suite of furniture for $20,000, Letourneau recalls. Another customer paid $18,000 for a huge collection of Herend, fine Hungarian porcelain famous for figurines, dinnerware, and decorative pieces. But one of the most unusual items was a six-foot-long model of the SS President Cleveland, the ship originally ordered in 1944 to serve in the Navy, but instead sailed the world as a passenger liner. After researching its provenance, the new owners realized the vessel's importance and donated the model to the Alameda Naval Air Museum where the ship was built. "e people are wonderful and the pieces they acquire are interesting and unusual," says Rancho Santa Fe resident Donna Wannop, both a customer and consigner. "Many are finds that you won't find anywhere else." e shop is staffed by volunteers, several who have served for decades including 40-year veteran Valerie Weaver, Sharon Ferges, and Sharon Mauro. "e vibe here is so beautiful," says Lynda Costa, a former critical care nurse, who has been volunteering for nine years. "You walk in the door and you're home. Yvette likes to shine her light on volunteers. I've met more friends here — it's a beautiful group of people." Letourneau firmly believes the shop, which she refers to as "she," has a distinctive personality. "She is generous and always welcoming. She attracts some of the best human beings. She has great stories, but she keeps your secrets," says Letourneau. "She has the best time with you, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. And she loves being so important to so many people. She's amazing." Shop proceeds from sales are split 50/50 between the consignor and e Country Friends. e shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. 858.756.1192, thecountryfriends.org >> The Country Friends Executive Director and Consignment Manager Yvette Letourneau in the nonprofit's Consignment Shop on El Tordo