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United Way's Online Auction: Shopping Delight!

By: Cathy Dunkin | 08/13/2009

Husbands are impossible to buy gifts for. But this year, I'm shopping for Carter's birthday online at www.givebidwin.com, the United Way's amazing online auction that started on Monday and goes through the Aug. 20.

Because Carter is a big Blues hockey fan, I'll definitely check out these two items:

• A Blues fan experience with four club seats, photo on the Blues bench, visit to the KMOX booth, and post-game meeting with Blues players; or
• Four tickets and a chance to ride on the zamboni at Scottrade Center.

Carter also loves music and plays in a band, so he might like:

• Elvis Presley's Music Experience in Memphis donated by Graceland; or
• A Paul Reed Smith Santana SE guitar autographed by Carlos Santana, donated by Brown Shoe Co.; or
• Some of the auction's many concert or special event tickets.

The first United Way auction in 2008 featured 21 items and raised $22,000. This year, the goal is $100,000. With more than 120 unique items and experiences, that number should be achievable.

At the end of the auction, United Way's annual fundraising season kicks off. Last year, the campaign raised $68.8 million for 200 community agencies. With the economic downturn, our community needs the United Way now more than ever.

Standing Partnership is proud that United Way is our primary community partner this year and the work we're doing to help build the online auction into a fun new way to raise much-needed dollars for our community.

So while I'm supporting United Way and shopping online, maybe I should look at bidding on the Grant's Farm party for 350 people donated by Anheuser-Busch. The Clydesdales would be excellent guests and help me give my lucky husband a truly memorable birthday this year!

There's about a week left in the auction, so I encourage everyone to go to www.givebidwin.com to get in on the bidding fun!

Posted in Community Assistance