Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach has been helping those in need in the Sea Island for over 31 years at the Outreach, and those in downtown Charleston for over 100 years at Neighborhood House. They serve almost thousands of individuals and families each year through access to free dental and prenatal care, food, clothing and financial assistance, job assistance, hot lunch five days a week at Neighborhood House and education opportunities for youth and adults.
Their largest fundraiser of the year, The Love Your Neighbor Auction is virtual and free to attend. Guests will participate in a silent auction virtually that will feature high-interest leisure and luxury items, such as spa experiences, art pieces, one-night stays, vintage jewelry, wine tastings and restaurant packages as well as products and services from local businesses in the community. Online bidding will start on January 17 and conclude on January 24. Executive Director, Ericka Plater and Mickey Bakst, famed fundraiser, philanthropist, restaurateur and founder of Feed the Need will cohost an online experience on January 24, at 1:00 pm. This is a great way to help those in need, to learn more about the struggles many are facing in the areas where we live, work and play and to have fun in the comfort of home!
Proceeds from the auction will go toward Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach’s mission.
The pandemic has caused unprecedented struggles for some of our communities most vulnerable. Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach has opened its doors even wider to help the individuals and families in need. Since March alone, Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach has given four times more in financial assistance than in the previous year.
“The auction is our most critical fundraiser of the year. This year in particular, the number of people in need has increased dramatically. Funds from this event will ensure we can keep our doors open to continue helping individuals and families hit hard by the effects of COVID. We pride ourselves on being a place of hope, healing and help, and our community needs us now more than ever” says Ericka Plater, executive director of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach.
For more information about the auction, to review auction items, to start bidding and to help a local nonprofit, click here.
-Submitted by Kristin Raymond
(Image credit: Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach)