Get ready—it’s almost auction time!

August 27^th marks the beginning of this year’s San Benito Community Auction, a virtual event hosted by the Community Foundation for San Benito County. The auction will begin promptly at 9:00AM Friday, August 27^th and end at 9:00PM Monday, August 30^th.

The pandemic forced many nonprofits to cancel their traditional fundraisers, causing a decline in revenue and placing limitations to their much needed services. According to Alice Oliveira of Hazel Hawkins Auxiliary, the support received was “phenomenal.” Funds raised by the Auxiliary directly benefit Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital with equipment, education, and other needs. Hazel’s Thrift Shop, managed by the Auxiliary, had a difficult 2020 as it was closed for most of the year. Rent and other expenses needed to be paid and none of their usual in-person fundraisers were held due to COVID. Because the auction is online, it’s a safe way to support local participating nonprofits while still having a pleasurable experience.

Last year’s Community Auction was a success. Together with a match from the Community Foundation, the auction raised over $132,000 for local nonprofit organizations. Bidders of various ages have expressed their delight and plan to join again. Last year, Emmaus House, a nonprofit that provides shelter and assistance to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, had auctioned off a Traeger Smoker and trip to Thousand Trails that was won by Doug Kuerschner. Kuerschner and his family panned a weekend trip to Thousand Trails and he had a “great time with both [his] sons and grandkids…good times had by all!” The Traeger has already been used to create some impressive BBQ and “works great” according to Kuerschner. Emmaus House will be part of this year’s auction again and will be featuring some amazing items, including a weeklong trip to a Nashville resort.

Preregistration for the event is recommended and begins on August 20^th through the San Benito Community Auction website: givesanbenito.org/auction. Over 135 wonderful auction packages have been put together for you to bid on by 31 local nonprofit organizations. Cash donations are also accepted through the auction website to further aid the participating nonprofits.

Contact [email protected] or call the Community Foundation for San Benito County at 831-630-1924.