BE A PART OF TRADE SECRETS

Become a Volunteer

We believe in the power of volunteering to change lives and communities…

For 25 years, volunteers have been the key to Trade Secrets' success in raising funds for Project SAGE, a local domestic violence agency. These extraordinary individuals have helped to support countless people in need, reignited hope where it had faded, and played a vital role in saving countless lives. As Trade Secrets enters its 26th year, we welcome volunteers to join our community and be part of something truly impactful.

2026 Trade Secrets Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer shifts open on March 2, 2026 at midnight

  • The Sunday Sale is the Trade Secrets Rare Plants & Garden Antiques event

    • Hospitality Tent Assistant - You're creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Trade Secrets feel like more than just an event — you're making guests feel genuinely taken care of.

    • Pick-Up/Drop-Off Team - You're the last stop of the day — getting guests reunited with their purchases and on their way home happy.

    • Pick-Up/Drop-Off Traffic Control - You're keeping the Pick-Up/Drop-Off flowing — managing vehicle traffic so the pick-up area stays safe, efficient, and frustration-free for guests.

    • Tram Driver - You're the one keeping guests moving — shuttling people comfortably between parking, the entrance, and key areas around the event.

    • Vendor Ambassador - You're the support for our vendors— helping them have a smooth day so they can focus on what they do best.

    • Vendor Transport Team- You're the muscle behind the scenes — making sure our guest’s purchases get to the Pick-Up/Drop-Off area.

    • Volunteer Lounge Captain - You're taking care of the people who are taking care of everyone else — keeping our volunteer lounge running smoothly so every volunteer feels supported and appreciated.

    • Volunteer Tent Assistant - You're supporting the volunteer home base — keeping things organized, welcoming, and running smoothly so every volunteer has what they need to do their job well.

    • Welcome Greeter - You're one of the first faces guests see — and that first impression sets the tone for their entire Trade Secrets experience.

    • Supplies Transport (Load)- You're helping get Trade Secrets ready to roll — literally. This shift is all about loading everything in our storage unit into a U-Haul so it all makes it to the event. Shift will be on Monday, May 11, 2026.

    • Site Setup - You're helping build Trade Secrets — setting up the physical space that thousands of guests will enjoy on event day. Shifts will be on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - Saturday, May 16, 2026.

    • Breakdown Team - You're the team that brings it all home — breaking down the event efficiently and responsibly so the site is clean, organized, and ready to hand back. Shift will be on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

    • Supplies Transport (Unload)- You're the closing crew — helping wrap up Trade Secrets by getting everything safely back into storage the day after the event. Shift will be on Monday, May 18, 2026.

 

Trade Secrets Overview

Volunteer Opportunity Dates: May 11 - 18, 2026

Locations: Lakeville, CT and Lime Rock Park, CT

Time Commitment: Hours vary by role

Experience Needed: None — we’ll train you!

Minimum Age: 13 years old

 

Why Volunteer with Trade Secrets?

  • Make an Impact

    Your time helps support Project SAGE’s vital work in our community.

  • Meet Great People

    Work alongside passionate, welcoming volunteers and organizers.

  • Enjoy the Experience

    Be part of one of Connecticut’s most beautiful and inspiring events.

Trade Secrets Volunteers Benefits

  • Free admission to the Trade Secrets Sunday Sale Event on May 17, 2026 at the General Admission entry time

  • Complimentary lunch and refreshments on the day of the Sunday Sale Event for Sunday volunteers

  • One ticket to two available Garden Tours on Saturday, May 16, 2026 *You can reserve your garden tickets through the Purchase Tickets page starting April 1, 2026

  • Resume building skills and experience for Student Volunteers as well as letters of recommendation for college applications. Free admission for student volunteers and one parent or guardian to the Sunday Sale Event on May 17, 2026

become a trade secrets volunteer!

This event is not possible without the incredible support from our community members. To all those who have assisted in the past or are interested in showing volunteer support at a future Trade Secrets - we cannot thank you enough!

For more information or to ask questions about student volunteer opportunities, please email Nichole Reyes, Trade Secrets Coordinator at tscoordinator@Project-SAGE.org.

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