Online bidding begins on United Way’s Auction website Community’s first local online auction opens Monday For Immediate Release 12 October 2006

With the click of a mouse, United Way officials will open the organization’s Online Auction first thing on Monday morning. They hope it signals the start of a two-week frenzy of donations and purchases that will buoy United Way’s annual campaign. “It’s not unlike a ribbon cutting or the grand opening of a new store,” said Dave Bezusko, United Way’s Campaign & PR Director. “When 8:00 a.m. comes on Monday, we’re open for business.” Several dozen online browsers have been window shopping for the last several weeks, surveying the 120-plus items donated from area businesses and individuals that are available for purchase. Until 6:00 p.m. October 30, area residents and businesses will have a chance to donate items of their own and bid on items posted on United Way’s eBay-like website linked off its homepage at www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org. “There’s something for everyone on there,” Bezusko said. “If you’re looking for early Christmas gifts or even to indulge on something for yourself, it’s worth a look. There are a lot of hidden treasures and the minimum bid for just about every item is 40 to 50-percent off the retail price.” “There’s something for everyone... There are a lot of hidden treasures and the minimum bid for just about every item is 40 to 50-percent off the retail price.” “Buyers will find collectibles, artwork, and autographed items have been donated by area individuals and out-of-town celebrities. But the majority of items have been given by area businesses to put a spotlight on what they sell. “Local businesses, especially the smaller stores, often tell us that they are hit up so many times through the course of the year by organizations looking for financial help,” said Dave Bezusko. “So we tried to develop a giving method that appealed to them. In addition to a tax receipt for their in-kind donation, they also receive the online recognition and a link to their website to drive customers to their sites and stores.” The online auction is the first of its kind locally and promises to turn a profit for the charity. Sponsorship by Honda Marysville covered all of United Way’s operating costs on the event. “That means it’s guilt-free shopping, too, because anything you spend goes directly toward United Way programs and services,” Bezusko said. Dan Bryan, Manager of Honda Motorsports and Bruce Daniels, General Manager of Honda Marysville, stand with a 2006 Metropolitan Scooter, one of more than 120 items already posted on United Way’s Online Community Auction. Thanks to the support of Honda Marysville, money from all purchases made on the auction goes directly toward United Way’s annual campaign. Bidding on the auction takes place from October 16 to October 30 on United Way’s website at www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org. The auction will provide a boost to United Way’s annual campaign, which to date has raised 42% of the $750,000 it’s trying to collect this fall for its 24 Member Agencies. For more information about the United Way of Union County, please visit www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org or call (937) 644-8381.