Fundraiser promises smooth grooves and an auction

Bidding is open for the silent auction portion of the 13th annual Office of Child Care and Family Resources’ Jazzin’ fundraiser.

Whether you’re looking for Badger football tickets, toys for the kids or a romantic night out in downtown Madison, the silent auction items are sure to turn a few heads this year. The office expects to put nearly 30 packages on the auction block that are meant to address a wide variety of interests of attendees. They also hope to give away about 150 raffle prizes.

Sponsored by Bernie’s Place in collaboration with the Office of Child Care, the fundraiser will take place Thursday, June 3 in Tripp Commons at the Memorial Union from 5 to 8 p.m. with music by the Jan Wheaton Quintet. Tickets are $30 at the door or in advance.

Bidding for the silent auction is open via e-mail or phone. Bidding will continue at the event from 5–7:45 p.m. with high bidders being announced at 8 p.m..

See a list of prizes and instructions on how to bid.

Aside from the smooth sounds, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, the highlights of the event are the silent auction and raffle prizes. Some exciting items are already posted on the OCCFR Web site for both the auction and the raffle.

“I am extremely excited about how our campus partners and community businesses have come forward to support campus child care this year’s event by either purchasing tickets or donating to either the raffle or silent auction. This year’s event is going to be the best ever,” says Connie Wilson, event organizer.

Raffle items are also listed on the OCCFR website and include gift certificates to local businesses and restaurants. Tickets are $1 each and are available now or at the auction. To purchase, contact OCCFR office manager Jordan Hanson at 890-0436.

Auction and raffle winners do not need to be present to claim their prizes, but attendees will have an advantage because they will be given the final opportunity to bid on silent auction items at the fundraiser.

The first 120 attendees will receive a scratch-off card from the Home Concepts store.

“By scheduling this event prior to the start of summer as well as moving it back on campus, we hope to double our attendance, increase our campus partnerships and double our profit. Our goal is to raise $20,000 this year,” Wilson says.

All proceeds will benefit the Connie L. Wilson Center Grant Fund, which annually provides grants to campus child care centers, and the New Initiatives Fund to support new campus child care initiatives.

OCCFR oversees eight nationally or city accredited campus child care centers that serve about 600 children each week. It also sponsors programming for parents and families, and provides funding for families in need of child care.