Cauz For Pawz

I still recall when the original CFP first opened on 23^rd street. The enthusiastic way locals responded. NY’ers streamed in, to donate, spread the word, chat, lend support. I also remember the owner, a stylish lady with vision and big time pizzaz. I can’t speak for the ‘numbers’ here. nor the reported rude treatment someone else encountered from this very same woman (Catherine) who has always been unfailingly gracious (no I don’t work for her). Granted… information like that, shared and passed along (true or not) doesn’t help any shop owner, wishing to project hospitality and good business practice in a retail space. That said — during my CFP visit three days ago I found some lovely items. Moreover, I received a warm greeting, and a discount. Lastly, couple of hours ago, I stopped in to donate a ‘kitty-​themed’ platter Ric and I had no room for in the house. Cath happened to be there, remembered me from long ago. She was thrilled to receive the platter. And see ME!

Buyer beware. Looks like a great cause right? The woman who runs this store has been so rude to me on multiple occasion that I suspected there was some reason for all of this bluster…
Pulling their tax filings for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013 show an absurdly low amount of money actually used for helping the animals they proclaim to be helping. Their 990 forms show the following:
2011– Income of $ 447,419, assets of $ 86,594, donations of $ 2168 — Not even half a percent of income donated to help the animals (The owner also drew a salary of almost $ 80K that year)
2012 — Income of $ 530,361, assets of $ 76,491, donations of $ 7139 — 1.3% of income donated to help the animals. (The owner also drew a salary of almost $ 70K that year)
2013 — Income of $ 408,033, assets of $ 96,365, donations of $ 2436 — Just over half a percent of income donated to help the animals (Salaries look to be around $ 75K with no detail for whom it was paid).
Photos from the filings attached. Beyond the tax filings, this woman has been so mean spirited and obnoxious to me and other shoppers on so many occasions I’m not the least bit surprised her taxes reflect what they do. If there is any question about the way shoppers are treated, reviews on the old store’s Unilocal page should leave no doubt:
To put these meager contributions in perspective, the Village Thrift Shop on 3^rd Ave generated approximately twice the revenue but also donated $ 166,000 in 2013… that’s more than 70x what Cause For Pawz donated!
CAUZ FOR PAWZ ONLY DONATES 1% OR LESS A YEAR OF ALL OF THE REVENUE THEY TAKE IN WHILE THE OWNER’S SALARY IS FAR MORE THAN WHAT IS DONATED.
If you give them a $ 20 donation only 20 cents of it actually goes to support the animals!
If you want to support a charity, find a way to truly support the need and donate to the ASPCA who spends 62% of what is raises on the cause rather than a fraction of a percentage of your donation or spend going to support the so-​called «cauz».

I loved this thrift shop when it was up on 23^rd Street. Had the nicest selections of clothes, accessories, and home items WITHOUT BREAKING THE BUDGET! If the item didn’t have a price, they’d give you one on the spot. Friendly service and Shorty is the best! I’m so anxious to check out the new location later on today. I’m sure I will not be disappointed! Will update this review later. :D
And now for the update:
A sweet boutique-​like ambiance. Even though the store is still a work in progress, everything is neatly organized with flare. A mannequin outside advertises the «Doggone Sale» and there’s a mannequin pooch as well. Sad to say that the space is smaller than the store on 23^rd Street, and understand that management is smart to focus more on clothing and accessories, instead of home décor. However, the shop is planning to install shelving for for small non-​clothing items.
Here’s something unique about this new space. There’s a «wheel of fortune» wheel for discounts. Once you are ready to purchase, you have an opportunity to spin the wheel for discounts, and more. My spin won me a 10% discount on three of my five items. Sweet!
And of course, Shorty is there to watch over us. Woof, woof!