iBOP Raises Money For A Bridge To Hope, CCS, Valley Strong
iBOP Raises Money For A Bridge To Hope, CCS, Valley Strong
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Staff Report-
iBOP Raises Money For A Bridge To Hope, CCS, Valley StrongLocal not-for-profit group iBOP holds several events throughout the year to support area charities.
iBOP hosted its eighth annual Winter Wonderland Charity Bazaar and Quarter Auction on Nov. 10 at Baker Youth Club (BYC) in Warsaw. The charity of focus was A Bridge to Hope, although additional funds were raised and donated to Combined Community Services (CCS) and the Mentone Fire Department Valley Strong bank account to care for those affected by the fatal bus accident that took place Oct. 30.
The bazaar featured area direct sales vendors and crafters. The first 25 patrons through the doors received a free swag bag. Auction tickets were available in advance for $5 and were $7 the day of the auction.
During the auction, admission tickets were exchanged for a numbered auction paddle. Bidders then raised their paddles and supplied a quarter per retail level of the item up for sale, entering them into a drawing. There is a winner every round and there were over 100 items up for bid during the auction, including items valued at more than $400.
A Bridge to Hope, formed in 2017, was chosen as the charity of focus to bring awareness to its goal to lead and unite community efforts that offer solutions to those affected by substance use disorder. A Bridge to Hope works to help those struggling with substance use disorder find appropriate treatment. Recovery coaches are provided for those in early recovery looking to build a new sober life.
To learn more about A Bridge to Hope, visit its website at abridgetohope.org.
iBOP chose to also partner with CCS with a donation from the raffle basket proceeds from the event. Each iBOP member donated an item from their direct sales business to the raffle basket. Patrons purchased raffle basket tickets for the opportunity to win the basket valued at over $140.
CCS provides comfort, hope and resources for neighbors in need. iBOP presented it with a check for $203.
Those who attended the Quarter Paddle Auction were also informed of a benefit later that evening at Tippecanoe Valley High School to raise money for those affected by the bus tragedy. Patrons were asked to donate any remaining quarters to the Valley Strong account, if they were unable to attend the benefit dinner in Akron. The change collected totaled $141.25 and was deposited into the Mentone Fire Department Valley Strong Lake City Bank Account to help the families with expenses.
For those who missed the event or for those who attended and want to join for the next event, iBOP will host its next Bazaar and Quarter Auction fundraiser March 23 at BYC. The bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free for all ages to attend.
The quarter auction portion of the event will be held from 1 p.m. to approximately 4 p.m., with no one under the age of 18 allowed. Tickets will be required for entry.
There will be approximately 100 items up for bid from the vendors and crafters.
To nominate a charity of focus for the March event, for tickets or to join iBOP’s networking group or for more information, call 574-527-6005 or visit its Facebook page.
