Biggest year yet for Hope Bridges Wine and Art Auction

Adelle Ellis
Times Reporter

 

Hope Bridges will present their fourth annual Wine and Art Auction fundraiser at the Strathmore Travelodge on April 3 starting at 3 p.m.
The event has grown over the last few years, and this year Hope Bridges aims to have around 80 to 100 silent auction items up for bidding.
“It’s nice and laid back. You can come as you are, it’s very open. However, if you want to dress up for the event then you are more than welcome,” said Wanda Reinholdt, Hope Bridges coordinator. “We are very much about it being open to anyone and everyone. It’s a really fun afternoon out with friends.”
There is a $20 entrance fee which can be pre-purchased at the Hope Bridges Studio, or at the door to the event. There are raffles during the event as well. This year, there are two raffle prizes: a spring garden package from Eagle Lake Turf Farms and Eagle Lake Nurseries valued at $1,009; and a meat and barbecue package with meat donated by Pure County Meats and a donated barbecue valued at $300.
Musical guests Brava Duo will be entertaining throughout the afternoon, and the live auction starts at 3:45 p.m.
Hope Bridges is currently accepting donation items for the auction.
“We encourage local businesses to get involved,” said Reinholdt. “Wine and art are encouraged but we are open to any creative ideas.”
Several big-ticket items include two Egyptian papyrus pieces as well as two vintage yarn-bombed bikes. There will also be many small items up for bid including baking, sewing, floral, wine and traditional native art, all from local artisans and donated from local business people.
“It’s a great opportunity to see very unique art that you won’t see anywhere else,” said Reinholdt. “We have a lot of talent in this community and when it is all in one room, you really see the magnitude of it.”
Up for auction again this year is a community art piece that is re-sold every year. “Flight” is a mural made on an upcycled wooden door out of plastic gift cards which were placed to depict a mural of kites.
Last year Hope bridges set a goal to raise $10,000 which they exceeded by a little over $1,000. This year, their goal is to raise $15,000 from the event.