Hollister
– United Way of San Benito County is holding its Seventh Annual
Winter Extravaganza fundraiser at 6pm Saturday at San Juan Oaks to
help raise money for local charities.
Hollister – United Way of San Benito County is holding its Seventh Annual Winter Extravaganza fundraiser at 6pm Saturday at San Juan Oaks to help raise money for local charities.
Past Winter Extravaganzas have featured both live and silent auctions of donated dinners, golf packages and other goods. But the 2006 Winter Extravaganza will be themed “The Art of Giving,” and will feature a silent art auction with pieces from local artists, United Way of SBC Vice President Chuck Obeso-Bradley said.
Kathy Pirtle Marinsik, member of the United Way of SBC board of directors, said the 11 artists have donated their time and skill to the Winter Extravaganza.
“We thought we would introduce the artists to the community,” Marinsik said. “The artists definitely want to give back to the community.”
Attendees have an opportunity to meet artists and the artists have an opportunity to educate buyers about the pieces, Obeso-Bradley said.
“It’s been really fun meeting the artists and I think they feel this is a nice opportunity for them to be showcased in the community,” Obeso-Bradley said.
Live auction items include:
– a tandem skydiving jump through Adventure Center Skydiving
– a Pietra Santa Wine tasting package
– a wheelbarrow of beer
– an afternoon tour and picnic in a vintage car
– an evening of astronomy with David Baumgartner
– Leal Vineyards cheese and wine tasting
– a Ridgemark golf package
– a San Juan Oaks golf package
– four hours at the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department shooting range
– a week at Tulloch Lake
– a condo in Hawaii with airfare for two
– a Brighton purse
– a gourmet dinner
The 2005 Winter Extravaganza brought in more than $30,000 for United Way of SBC, a total Obeso-Bradley hopes to top on Saturday.
“This last year was our most successful Extravaganza ever,” Obeso-Bradley said.
The success of past United Way events enabled the organization to administer a record $120,000 in grants to local nonprofit charities this year, Marinsik said. The all-volunteer United Way of SBC board of directors put in long hours to organize events and raise money for the county’s growing need, Obeso-Bradley said.
“As always all the proceeds do help to support the local agencies,” Obeso-Bradley said.
The evening will feature dancing with a live disc jockey after the auctions and San Juan Oaks dinner. The dinner will include a mixed grill of filet mignon, chicken and salmon, Marinsik said.
“San Juan Oaks always does such a great job with the dinner,” Obeso-Bradley said.
For more information or to buy tickets, contact Chuck Obeso-Bradley at 831-637-0468. Tickets are $75.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or mv*********@fr***********.com.
