Big Bend Hospice Announces Grand Opening of Second Oak Tree Treasures Location in Tallahassee

New Resale Shop Expands Community Support for Hospice Patients and Families While Advancing Big Bend Hospice’s Mission Across the Region

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Big Bend Hospice celebrated the grand opening of its second Oak Tree Treasures resale shop on Friday, June 26, welcoming a crowd of supporters, volunteers, donors and community leaders to mark the milestone. The celebration drew such an enthusiastic response that the parking lot was full well before the ceremony began, with some shoppers arriving as early as 9 a.m. to be among the first through the doors.

Located at 3802 N. Monroe St., the new store expands Oak Tree Treasures’ mission of turning everyday shopping and donations into meaningful support for hospice patients and families across the Big Bend.

Amanda Gustafson, chief operating officer, opened the ceremony by thanking the staff, board members, volunteers and community members whose support made the second location possible.

“This place belongs to you,” Gustafson told the crowd. “Thank you for every detail, every nail, every hour you’ve invested. Thank you for welcoming us, supporting us and showing up today.”

Gustafson also reminded attendees that every purchase made at Oak Tree Treasures directly supports the organization’s mission.

“One of the things that makes Oak Tree Treasures so special is that every purchase directly supports the patients and families we serve,” said Gustafson. “Every dollar helps cover unfunded care and enhanced services like music therapy, grief support and veteran programs that can make a meaningful difference during a difficult time. As the only nonprofit hospice provider in the region, the support we receive through Oak Tree Treasures eases the financial burden on families and ensures we’re able to provide compassionate care to anyone who needs us across the Big Bend.”

During the ceremony, Marketing and Community Relations Director Travia Cromartie, dedicated the store to Rosie Wertman-Wilson, whose love of thrift shopping inspired the vision for Oak Tree Treasures. Under the leadership of CEO Bill Wertman, the resale shops were created to honor his mother’s passion for finding hidden treasures while creating a lasting way for the community to support hospice care.

The second location builds on the success of the original Oak Tree Treasures store on Mahan Drive, which opened in January 2025 and quickly became a destination for shopping, donating and volunteering in support of Big Bend Hospice.

“When we opened our first Oak Tree Treasures location a year ago, we hoped it would become a place where people could connect with our mission by donating, shopping and volunteering,” said Chloe Bassham, retail operations manager for Oak Tree Treasures. “The response has far exceeded our expectations. The Tallahassee community has embraced the store and helped us make a real impact for local hospice patients and families. That support made this second location possible, and it’s another step toward our vision of bringing Oak Tree Treasures to each of the 13 counties served by Big Bend Hospice.”

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting presented by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, with Tom Morgan providing the ceremonial scissors as supporters gathered to celebrate the opening.

For more than 40 years, Big Bend Hospice has provided hospice and palliative care across 13 counties in the Florida Panhandle. As the region’s only nonprofit hospice provider, the organization serves patients and families regardless of their ability to pay, offering compassionate end-of-life care and support throughout their journey.

Community members can support Oak Tree Treasures by shopping, volunteering or donating gently used clothing, furniture, home décor, artwork and other household items. Both Tallahassee locations are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more, visit www.bigbendhospice.org/oak-tree-treasures.