Give A Little Bit

LCAR’s 36^th Annual TLC Fundraiser is the largest fundraiser of the year to support the outreach and programs that make up the worthy nonprofit Tenfold. I was excited to attend for the first time this year, partly to support this organization that I know does amazing work for people working hard to better their lives, partly because I love auctions, and partly from curiosity about what a social event with a bunch o Realtors® would look like.

Being from a small brokerage, and knowing none of my other agents were attending, I asked my boyfriend to accompany me to the Fireside Tavern in Strasburg. My “red carpet” themed attire was fun to plan, and having our photo taken in the greeting hall was a fun touch that made us feel a tad bit fancy!

Donna Giovingo, who has been on the event committee for 11 years and chair of the benefit for ten, listed some of the themes of years past, including: Sports, Denim and Diamonds, 80's, and Western. Last year’s theme was Halloween, and a friendly person in the bar line recounted how last year he went all out for on his costume but not many others did. So this year he sort of went a little lax with his effort and then wouldn’t you know it, everyone looked great! We laughed and agreed, you win some, lose some.

After getting our photo taken, we added our pack of diapers and laundry detergent donation to the overflowing table and got into the short check-in line. This is where we were given our drink tickets, auction number to bid, and brief instructions on how the evening would progress.

We found the bar to use our first ticket, then made our way to the three silent auction tables. They were filled with lots of fun items; I was a little surprised to see some of the low bids, but figured they would grow before the auction ended. My win was a $100 gift certificate to the Bunyaad Marketplace, a delightful store of hand-crafted products made by fairly paid artisans from around the world, kindly donated by the Marian Rutt Team from RE/MAX Evolved. I figured it can either make a nice gift for a client, or even a Christmas present for family. In the past I’ve bought a pretty marble and wood cheese tray with a mouse shaped cheese knife from this store that clients really like!

We then decided to eat, and milled around many options on the buffet line. I was happy to bump into an agent I call a real friend, and some other friendly familiar faces.

When the program started Shelby Nauman, capable, hardworking, dedicated chief executive officer of Tenfold, spoke about what the organization is all about, with some input from another team member. In case anyone isn’t aware, Tenfold (formerly Tabor and LHOP) focuses on equitable housing and financial security for program participants. According to their website, “We believe housing is at the center of a thriving community.”

They provide tools, education and resources to help their clients achieve their goals. I think it’s so neat that this is the organization all of us support because it makes perfect sense with our livelihoods. Giovingo agrees, reassuring that Tenfold isn’t a handout, but a helping hand for people who want to better their lives.

The live auction is probably the biggest focus of the evening. H.K. Keller donates their auction services, including Tim Keller, who hosted the event. Halfway through the live auction, he paused, and asked the audience to commit certain dollar amount donations, starting with $2,500 and going down to $50. It was exciting and gratifying to see so many bid cards waving in the air.

After the auction there were a bevy of winners announced for Door prizes, Donation prize winners, etc. A special shout out to the 50/50 Raffle winner, Sasha Carter, who heroically  donated her cash winnings back to Tenfold. Classy move!

An event like this takes a ton of planning, Giovingo emphasized theirs is definitely a working committee! From asking for donations (and arranging for them to then materialize), to selling tickets, to organizing all the events of the evening and lots more, the committee and dedicated LCAR staff (Tracy Matroni, Olivia Bevensee, Laura Haines, and Mike Berk) deserve a huge thank you! Giovingo stated it is always their goal to beat the prior year’s funds raised.

From the fundraiser, to LCAR's Golf Outing and Cornhole Tournament, to even the donation jar in the office, LCAR was successfully able to donate an estimated $38,800 to Tenfold's TLC-- making 2024 LCAR's best donation year yet! As we look to the new year, I would encourage our members to check out LCAR's upcoming events to help support TLC, you never know what type of fun you may have!

 -Copyright © Give A Little Bit, Wendy Hess, Puffer Morris Real Estate. 2024. All Rights Reserved.

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