Bakers compete for highest bid at Friend Inc.’s 34th Annual Benefit Auction
Fundraising event includes catered buffet dinner, auction of 150 items, and Hannah Violet Trio
Six community members will go head to head in the Executive Bakers Challenge during Friend Inc. Community Services’ 34th Annual Benefit Auction in Kutztown on Saturday, April 27.
“The Annual Charity Auction (our 34th annual) is our primary fundraiser but also gives us an excellent opportunity to share our success stories and tremendous community outcomes in a fun and festive event,” said Jim Reece, executive director of Friend Inc.
Held at Beltzner Hall at the Kutztown Fairgrounds, the 34th Annual Benefit Auction fundraising event includes a buffet dinner catered by FoodLeigh and drinks, auction bidding in person and online, raffles, mystery balloon pop, shopping cart sales and entertainment by the Hannah Violet Trio.
“First and foremost, we hope that folks just have a wonderfully entertaining evening out,” said Reece. “I also hope that folks leave
with a little bit better understanding of the work we do and how; through their participation, they contribute to our success. It is a chance for old friends to catch up and to meet new ones, too!”
Doors open at 5 p.m. at which time auction bidding begins. Virtual bidding is also available online, starting
at noon on Saturday, April 27.
“While the main event is in person, anyone can register and bid on items from the comfort of their home,” said Reece.
The auction features more than 150 items for bid along with a half dozen that will only be available in person.
“Auction participants will also enjoy a wonderful meal with our new caterer, FoodLeigh. We’ll also have raffles, mystery balloon pop, and shopping cart sales,” he said. “Oh, and maybe our biggest highlight is the addition of the Hannah Violet Trio!”
The highlight of the fundraising event is the Executive Bakers Challenge. The six Executive Bakers will each bake up a desert that will be live-auctioned after dinner.
“We have six community members who are busy at work not only creating their dessert delicacies but also raising funds to support their support of Friend Inc,” said Reece. “In addition to the bakers, there are dozens of other desserts that are donated by community members that are also up for auction. No one loses weight at this event!”
The 2024 Executive Bakers are Lorin Basden Arnold, provost, Kutztown University; Megan Evans, sales coordinator, East Penn Manufacturing; Sergeant Walt Skavinsky, Kutztown Police Department; Colleen Fitzgerald, owner of Heart and Hearth Deli; Anna Shiffler and Zane Zwillinger, owners of The Daily Loaf; and Dawn Medina, owner of Cottage Bakery & Café.
“The Executive Baker Challenge gives us the opportunity to highlight the auction as an event by creating
something unique,” said Reece. “It gives each of the bakers (a chance) to be creative and to solicit support from their own business, friends and family networks thereby extending the awareness of Friend, Inc. and the work that we do each and every day.”
“While each of the bakers is independently hard at work creating their masterpieces, it turns very interactive during the auction as each of their efforts goes to
bid in a live-auctioneer led bidding frenzy,” he added.
All proceeds help the Kutztown-based nonprofit to provide food and social support programs to residents of northeastern Berks County.
“The auction raises critical funds that allow us to continue to feed hungry families and attack food insecurity throughout rural northeast Berks County,” said Reece. “Through the efforts of our MSW Case
Manager we are also able to assist families through economic hardships that occasional strike us all. As a United Way Community Partner we have demonstrated outcomes that have a pronounced impact on those around us most in need.”
For more information, make a donation, register for mobile bidding or purchase tickets, visit https:// www.friendinc.org/benefit-auction/.