WabiSabi, Moab’s non-profit thrift store recently awarded $24,000 to its 15 sponsored non-profit partners. The money awarded on Aug. 8 was generated through the sale of used clothing and goods during the first half of 2012 at WabiSabi’s two stores, the Thriftique and the WabiSabi Warehouse, according to a news release. Another round of donations will be awarded in January to the same area non-profits for the second half of 2012, officials said.

For 2012, WabiSabi’s Sponsored Nonprofit Partners are Arches Education Center, the BEACON Afterschool Program, Canyonlands Community Recycling, Club Red: the Moab Teen Center, Community Rebuilds, the Humane Society of Moab Valley, KZMU Community Radio, Moab Arts and Recreation Center, Moab Charter School, Moab Free Health Clinic, Moab Valley Multicultural Center, the Native American Club, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Seekhaven and Youth Garden Project.

At WabiSabi’s stores customers may vote for one of the 15 organizations each time they make a purchase or a donation. The money awarded by WabiSabi is then distributed based on the percentage of votes each organization receives. The Moab Free Health Clinic received the largest award of $5,086 because the clinic received just over 21 percent of the total votes, according to the news release.

“Over 16,000 votes were cast between the two stores for the first half of this year,” said WabiSabi Executive Director Jeff Cohen. “This has increased considerably over the past few years as more and more people learn about how the voting helps local nonprofits.”

“WabiSabi’s support allows us to focus more on what we do – arts, education, and events – rather than on fundraising. It is unbelievably helpful,” MARC Director Laurie Collins said.

WabiSabi has been allocating its proceeds to nonprofits since its inception in 2003. To date, the program has donated $230,000 to sponsored non-profit partners. WabiSabi also provides material donations to organizations, a voucher system to reach people in immediate need, workshops designed to educate and strengthen area non-profits, educational programs for the community and hosts the community Thanksgiving, Christmas and Winter dinners through the Hands-up Program.

Sponsored non-profit partners are selected through an application process each fall, which is overseen by a subcommittee of the WabiSabi Board. A number of non-profit partners are chosen for each calendar year through that process, officials said.

Applications for 2013 WabiSabi Nonprofit Partners will be available Sept. 15. All area non-profits are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact the WabiSabi office at 435-259-2553 for more information.