Searching for James Taylor and Carole King tickets or want an exclusive luxury retreat in Mexico? Why not bid on them and raise money for The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, one of the valley's most important nonprofits? The Advocates provide life-changing services for more than 500 women and children in need, and free communitywide prevention education for more than 3,000 students annually.
The Advocates' annual Gala Auction, which this year is themed "Black & White Soiree," will take place Friday, June 25, at Trail Creek Cabin in Sun Valley at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, dinner and dancing with live music by The Sensations. Tickets are $150.
The evening will include live and silent auction lots as well as "mystery gift boas" available at $100, $50 and $25. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of items, including travel, services, products, parties, beauty and wellness, home and garden, food and wine and pampering pets. In addition, the gala's annual raffle drawing will offer three grand prizes.
Raffle tickets may be bought for $25 each or five for $100, for two 2010-11 Sun Valley ski passes, a $2,500 Sturtevants gift certificate and a $1,500 Idaho's Bounty gift certificate. Raffle tickets are available at Atkinsons' Market in Ketchum, the Big Wood Grill, Board Bin, Burnsie's, Idaho's Bounty, Ikaunieks Hair Design, Panache, Paula's Dress Shop, Penelope's and Sturtevants, and at Tully's on June 17, 21 and 23. Winners need not be present at the gala.
"The community has come forward with tremendous support for the Advocates' annual gala in the form of generous sponsorships, exclusive donations and brisk ticket sales," Executive Director Tricia Swartling said. "The Advocates is encouraged by the support, enthusiasm and momentum the Black & White Soiree is already generating."
According to a press release from the Advocates, since 1991, the organization has helped more than 5,000 women and children leave violent relationships and rebuild their lives. The Advocates' free services are available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day and include a staffed shelter, counseling and legal guidance. Funding support is realized through an annual fund drive. Additional funding sources include The Advocates' Attic thrift store, the annual Chip-In for the Advocates Golf Tournament, the annual Gala Auction and public and private foundation grants.
Auction items will include three nights and two days with a guided fishing tour for two at Ruby Springs Lodge in Montana, two VIP tickets with valet parking on Monday, July 12, at River Run for James Taylor and Carole King's "Troubadour Reunion" tour, a six-night and seven-day luxury retreat at a Four Seasons resort in Punta Mita, Mexico, a Whiskey Jacques' "party upstairs" with Rasberry's desserts and a Cornerstone Bar & Grill party. For information on more auction items and to buy tickets, visit theadvocates-aplacetogo.org or call 788-4194.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault will hold its annual fundraising gala on Friday, June 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Sun Valley’s Trail Creek restaurant. Photo by Willy Cook
