By Katie Patrick
Our upcoming Celebration of Hope gala and silent auction on Saturday, March 15, promises an evening of inspiration, fellowship, and a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need across southern Nebraska. This year, our event will take on a new dimension with our silent auction, offering attendees the opportunity to bid on an array of memorable experiences and valuable items.
Our primary goal remains to share the mission of CSS and celebrate the impact of our generous donors, with the option to provide continued support through free-will giving and online bidding.
The auction boasts an impressive collection of items, from faraway places to local favorites. For those seeking adventure, a three-night Branson getaway at Pointe Royale, complete with golf passes, or a week-long summer escape to Breckenridge offer unforgettable memories. A week-long stay in Grand Cayman, with $1,000 in travel money, is also available.
The “Dine Out Lincoln” package will include gift cards from Carmela’s, The Venue, Ollie & Hobbs, Code Beer, Tico’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Saro Cider, and other local favorites.
We can’t call ourselves Huskers without offering a variety of gameday tickets, including four tickets and a parking pass to the highly anticipated Nebraska vs. Cincinnati football game at Arrowhead Stadium, along with tickets to multiple Nebraska home football games, including matchups against Akron, Houston Christian, Michigan, Northwestern, and Southern Cal, are up for grabs. Additionally, two tickets to the Jason Aldean concert at the Pinnacle Bank Arena (PBA) Sept. 18, and two three-day passes to the AVCA First Serve Volleyball tournament at PBA.
For those seeking unique experiences, a group therapy bike tour, a Lincoln beer tour, a wine tasting for up to 12 people, a Tantaka Golf Club trip for four with an overnight stay, and a foursome with carts at Hillcrest Country Club. A backyard theater package, complete with a projector and a 16’ inflatable screen, offers the perfect setting for summer movie nights.
Additional auction items include a golf driver, a Blackstone four-burner griddle, two chairs from Lincoln Mattress & Furniture valued at $500 each, one year of free Allo internet service, a $350 gift card to Kimberly Creek Retreat Luxury Glamping, Craft Axe Throwing, 88 Tactical, a men’s custom suit from Kevin Murray, a pearl bracelet with a religious medal from Pattino boutique, and two tickets to “Hamilton” at the Orpheum Theater May 11.
While this is an impressive collection of food, wine, and experiences, the most important question is: how does your participation translate into real help for those who need it?
Thanks to the incredible generosity of families and local businesses, every item in our auction has been donated. Your winning bid translates directly into support for our programs, including Family Support Services, which offers crucial financial aid for rent, utilities, car repairs, diapers, and other necessities.
Last March, a mother reached out to CSS after giving birth to twins. She explained that her family was going through an incredibly challenging time. One of her babies died, and while she and her husband were grieving the loss of their child, the other little baby remained in the NICU, and the two older children at home. Adding to their difficulties, their vehicle broke down at the most inconvenient time. Despite her husband having a stable job, the financial strain from medical bills prevented them from affording the necessary car repairs.
CSS stepped in, contributing $1,000, and then collaborated with Faith Lutheran Church to cover the remaining costs. This financial support ensured the mother could bring her newborn baby home safely in a reliable vehicle, and the whole family would be together again.
Every day, our CSS team helps the poor and vulnerable in a manner that recognizes and promotes their human dignity. When you support CSS, your donations don’t stop at the material goods we provide. They continue well into uplifting those we serve.
Tickets to the March 15 gala and silent auction are $80, with proceeds directly supporting CSS programs. Those unable to attend can still participate by bidding remotely on auction items or making direct donations on our website. Will we see you there? RSVP today at csshope.org.
