Morristown boutique donates 100 percent of profits to chartiy

MORRISTOWN (WABC) -- A new boutique open for business in New Jersey sells clothes, jewelry and handbags, but what makes it unique is that it gives 100 percent of its profits to charity.

So how does it work, and what is the motivation behind it?

Marisa Spagnoletti opened Lucy's Gift Boutique at 168 South Street in Morristown in November, and with each sale comes the promise of a good deed, because all the net profits go to those who need it.

"To me, it's a way of giving back and honoring my husband," she said.

Maurice Spagnoletti was 57 when he was murdered in Puerto Rico while working for one of the island's biggest mortgage companies. The 2011 case made headlines and still hasn't been solved.

"He was just the love of my life," she said. "He had really made it in his life, and it was really his dream and my dream to devote our life to charity."

Marisa started raising money for charity by selling handbags at auctions, but she's now left her career to focus on charity through sales at Lucy's Gift, which is named for her daughter with Maurice.

"The bags range in price from $45 to $2,000, so there is something for everyone. And that's why Marisa believes that her shop can raise $30,000 in the first year.

She doesn't yet draw a salary, but she pays her employees and rent. And once all the expenses are covered, she'll donate 100 percent of what's left to the local causes she cares about.

She says so gives her peace, something she hasn't had in a very long time.