Page 13 - Leisure Living Magazine Holiday 2016

When Pigs Fly –
A Store With Purpose
By JD Noll, Feature Writer
Stepping into the quaint little shop on Main Street in Norwalk evokes the feeling that this place is special. Indeed it is. The creaky wooden floors and charming tin ceiling with friendly sales associates are typical of many, but the words of inspiration on the walls from those touched by illness are not.
Open just four years, When Pigs Fly is an upscale resale/retail shop selling one-of-a-kind items, new and gently used home décor, and personal accessories and furniture, according to owner, Lisa Hiler.
The concept began nearly 10 years ago when Lisa and her friends began having garage sales
and fundraisers, creating “memorable moments” to help families through difficult times. As word spread about their good deeds, more and more people requested assistance.
With her teaching background and knowledge of children with illnesses and difficult home environments, Lisa reached out to Michigan charity, The Rosemary Hockney Foundation, giving her ideas toward establishing her Piggyback Foundation. Its purpose is about “carrying people through times of need and every child loves a piggyback ride.”
She developed and presented a proposal to her ladies coffee group which then created corporate documents. “God had placed people in my life who were ready and willing to help. They had life experiences that brought value to our budding organization,” Lisa emphasized. “They embraced the idea that they could create something
special for families.”
The Piggyback
Foundation determines the applicants qualifications of need after they are screened by a volunteer board of directors. “Applicants must have life threatening illness and be a member of a family with children under age 22 attending school,” Lisa states. They also must provide a letter of verification from the treating physician which then qualifies the applicant for one of five specific programs determining their level of need.
During the formative years, her entrepreneurial mother loved the
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Sheila Schaffer (standing) with founder Lisa Hiler.
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