The Superior Health Foundation, along with Manistique Area Schools, invites Upper Peninsula residents to actively participate in an online silent auction to benefit the Superior Health Foundation’s Breast Health Fund.
The silent auction is part of Painting the Peninsula Pink, a month-long SHF event to raise funds for the breast health fund. MBank in Manistique is the presenting sponsor.
The silent auction is in lead up to the Pink Party, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, at Manistique High School. That evening, the varsity girls’ volleyball team will wear long-sleeved pink jerseys when they host the Gladstone Braves.
The silent auction will be entirely online. There will be more than a dozen items for bid, ranging from comfort baskets to a truckload of gravel delivered to your location. In addition, each one of the 12 varsity girls’ volleyball pink jerseys will be up for auction, with a minimum bid of $75.
“With COVID-19 and the pandemic, we elected to do a majority of our fundraising online using a giving platform that we have previously used,” said Jim LaJoie, executive director of the Superior Health Foundation. “Individuals can bid and monitor the activity right from their smart phones or computers. We are so incredibly thankful for the support of Amy Nixon, the Emeralds varsity girls’ volleyball coach, and other parents and businesses in Schoolcraft County that have gathered prizes for the silent auction.
“And, the pink jerseys have been a big hit during silent auctions in past pink events. We are elated to partner with Manistique Area Schools to raise money for a fund that has provided charitable support to dozens of people in the U.P. to help with out-of-pocket breast health expenses.”
The silent auction begins at noon on Thursday, Oct. 15 and will continue through 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. To see the list of silent auction items and to give a charitable gift to support the fund, visit https://one.bidpal.net/shfpink2020/welcome
Sara Giles of Manistique sits on the SHF Board of Directors and is active member of the SHF Special Events Committee. She said Schoolcraft County has really embraced the fundraising effort with many businesses purchasing day sponsorships and/or donating many prizes.
“Manistique has participated in ‘Pink’ volleyball games in the past to create awareness for breast cancer. It’s no surprise that we’ve seen a tremendous amount of support from area businesses and community members for Painting the Peninsula Pink,’ said Giles, marketing director at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. “We have hometown spirit which can be seen through the level of participation thus far. The Superior Health Foundation supports the entire Upper Peninsula but local events have a huge impact on getting these vital services into the hands of those battling breast cancer.
“Here in Manistique,” Giles added, “we have benefited greatly from SHF grants and have built expanded access to behavioral health services at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. I encourage other non-profit health agencies to explore grant opportunities with Superior Health Foundation to better the health of our community.”
Manistique Area Schools benefit as well from the partnership. At the conclusion of Painting the Peninsula Pink, SHF will award Manistique Area Schools with 20 percent of net profits from day sponsors it secured and merchandise sold during the month.
“It’s a win-win for all of us,” LaJoie said. “We really enjoy seeing young people across the peninsula get energized and help with fundraising efforts. Many people have been touched by breast cancer in their lives, including youth. We are excited about the Pink Party.”
To purchase pink t-shirts, cool black/pink masks or give a charitable gift to support the U.P.-wide fund, visit https://superiorhealthfoundation.org/events/paint-the-peninsula-pink/