We didn't know much about Fort Washington MD before hosting last weekend's estate sale on Heather Circle but folks turned out in droves. Thanks to all of you who paid us a visit, especially those who came back multiple times over two days and brought friends. It was amazing for us to see you calling, texting and hitting social media to urge others to join us.

We wrote on our Facebook page that Orion's Attic has to lead the Mid-Atlantic region in number of hugs received from shoppers at estate sales. There is truly some kind of magic that you make happen at all of our events. You don't just buy from us: You share your friendship, cheer us on and even make us laugh when hectic moments strike. 

We met too many fabulous people last weekend to call them all out by name or reference but we'd be remiss if we didn't thank the Prince George's County police officer we hired on Saturday who returned as a civilian with his wife on Sunday, shopped with us, and helped us handle a flash flood of other bargain hunters. We thank what seemed like a whole congregation from the same church who came and who spread the word. We thank the great ladies who patiently negotiated with us on a canopy chair, art, organ, mirrors and more. Thanks to the well-dressed and particularly good-looking young couple from Detroit who invested in pieces that will be with their new family for perhaps generations.

Doing what we do for a living is often physically and emotionally demanding work. Despite the fatigue that comes with huge events, though, our entire team leaves each one uplifted and ready to jump on the next project. We awoke this morning and immediately went to work on the Great Falls sale above. We hope to see you there.

Our mission at Orion's Attic is enabling people to "buy good stuff, do great things." Our roles as social entrepreneurs take many forms but one that gives us great joy on a daily basis is our effort to employ and mentor local teenagers. We've built our business on the strong backs and minds of many Silver Spring, Maryland-area teens. The youth employment program at IMPACT Silver Spring introduced many of them to us.

Loyal buyers like you make that possible. Allow us to give you just an economic snapshot of what that means by looking at last weekend's Fort Washington MD sale: Two guys put in two very long days starting before sunrise and made approximately $120 each day plus tips. A third guy worked one day and earned the same. A young woman worked our pay counter for most of a day and earned $75. 

That's a total of four teens who made great money on the weekend -- cash they're adding to their college dreams, saving for a first car and using to help their families. They're also learning a ton about entrepreneurship every time out. Our regular crew works with us often, even after school on many occasions.

Hiring and mentoring local teenagers is the right thing to do for our business and the right thing to do for our community.