Mountain Alliance Silent Auction and Raffle

BY JORDYN DANIELS

Asilent auction and raffle have become a mainstay in Blowing Rock WinterFest’s charitable pursuits. This minievent within the larger WinterFest event is organized by and benefits Mountain Alliance, “... whose mission is to provide transformative experiences and support so that all High Country teens have the opportunity to lead an empowered, adventurous, and service-oriented life, regardless of means or background.”

Past Mountain Alliance silent auctions and raffles at WinterFest have raised more than $20,000 each, which goes a long way toward supporting the organization’s mission. Many people in the High Country and their businesses recognize the important work of Mountain Alliance and give generously so that there are a large number of value opportunities to win, either by silent auction or by raffle.

They include:

• Spa day packages

• Packages to area parks

• Massage and wellness certificates

• Outdoor adventures

• Fly fishing lessons

• Theatre subscriptions

• Artwork by local artists

• Gift certificates to area restaurants

And much, much more. The silent auction gives the community a way to help provide monetary resources for the program while receiving an item of your choosing. Mountain Alliance is hoping to raise $20,000 again to match previous year’s earnings, but more is always welcome. Due to the nature of nonprofits, the money raised goes directly into supporting events and paying staff.

“The silent auction is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. It helps to support the high country team,” said Jerimiah Stampon-Rich, the Watauga program director said. “It would help to pay for the gear that we use to take students on on all these trips, because all the trips that we take students on our free for students.”

Mountain Alliance provides a safe haven for teens growing up in the Appalachian area. Through compassion, hard work and removing the obstacle of idle hands Mountain Alliance works with the youth to keep them active and ready for the next adventure. The program offers more than 100 after school and weekend events with something new every week for students who are involved. Bidding occurs online from Jan. 21 to Jan. 28 with bidding closing at 4 p.m. on Jan. 28. All bidding will be held online, but community members are invited to come visit the silent auction in person to take a closer look at items, ask questions to volunteers, and participate in other WinterFest activities. The in-person part will take place on Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Blowing Rock located at 333 Wallingford Street.

For the most up-to-date information on the silent auction, visit www.mountainalliance. org/silentauction.