The Women’s Initiative for Service and Education (WISE) is responding to the pandemic with an online auction of over 100 items, including services, gift certificates, and merchandise donated by its 55 members. The auction will run from November 6th through the 15th.
Because WISE members were unable to hold their annual Buffet and Silent Auction this year, members were concerned that they wouldn’t be able to afford annual donations to local non-profits or fund education grants and scholarships. The WISE board decided to remedy this by trying their hand at an online auction. They hesitated to ask local businesses for donations after this difficult summer, so they asked each member to offer a service or purchase an item or gift certificate to auction. The response has been overwhelming, with many members donating two or three items or services.
Some of the more unique offerings include a gourmet meal prepared by Chez Jude, the painting of a room in your home, a custom hand knit sweater, a professionally-designed garden, and homemade cookies delivered to your home every month for a year. There are gift certificates (purchased by WISE members), a variety of household services, and a vast array of other items. Opening bids range from $12 to $400.
In order to access the auction, you can go to the WISE Facebook page and click on the auction poster. You can also go to the WISE website (wisenorth.wixsite.com/website) and navigate to the auction page or visit the auction site directly at www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/WISE-Fall-Auction-15870.
The WISE Online Auction is your opportunity to do your holiday shopping and at the same time support education grants and food programs in Cook County.
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