Figge Art Museum, United Way Both Hold Online Auctions
Two local nonprofit institutions – the Figge Art Museum and United Way Quad Cities – are holding unique online auctions.
The Figge Art Museum is at 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport.
The Figge (225 W. 2nd St., Davenport) is having its first “Art Off the Wall” auction, aiming to raise $15,000 for the museum and its mission “to bring art and people together through the healing power of art.”
It first provided member-only access (Dec. 7-10) to bid on the 86 donated pieces of painting, sculpture, jewelry and other beautiful objects, and the public auction online will go through Sunday, said Tessa Pozzi, membership and database manager.
All bidding will take place virtually, at https://event.auctria.com/0e628a6d-c385-46fe-b069-5938bb88669d/.
A selection of works from the auction will be on view in the Figge’s Quad City Bank & Trust Grand Lobby through Sunday, and groups will be limited and adhere to social distancing and mask protocols set by the museum.
“These are not items from the Figge’s collection. They are all donated to be auctioned off by members and others in the community,” Pozzi said. “Although we do have some artists that are represented in the collection that we have available works from — such as John Bloom, Ellen Wagener, Randy Richmond and Leslie Bell.
Find out more at https://figgeartmuseum.org/programs-and-events/calendar/event/art-off-the-wall/327.
United Way works to raise funds for area students
Quad-Cities students and parents face major headwinds in the New Year as Covid-19 has disrupted education and derailed academic progress for learners throughout the area, according to United Way Quad Cities.
Women United, a donor network of United Way, plans to raise money to help get local students on track in school with the online auction event, Holiday Bids to Give, which opened Friday morning.
United Way’s holiday auction will go through Dec. 18.
Featuring over 170 items valued at more than $50,000 — all donated by sponsors, community leaders and volunteers — the auction is open through 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18.
“Covid-19 has had a dire impact on education. Too many Quad-Cities students are struggling to regain momentum they lost during the spring, summer and now, the uncertain school year ahead,” said Gwen Tombergs, United Way vice president of development.
“Together, through the work of our passionate and determined Women United donor network, as well as our generous sponsors and community partners, the Quad-Cities is showing that we can invest our resources in the best possible way — to help our kids.”
All money raised through Holiday Bids to Give will support United Way-led initiatives such as Born Learning, Read to Lead and the new QC Tutor Connection — efforts that promote long-term academic success in K-12 and address key milestones that increase the likelihood a student will graduate high school — like kindergarten readiness and third-grade reading.
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experience
The online auction is packed with popular, personal gift products as well as local and regional experiences for last-minute holiday shopping or treating yourself. Included in the inventory of over 170 options is $8,000 of quality merchandise donated by Dillard’s, one of the event sponsors. Auction items range from a Louis Vuitton purse to pet sitting to a one-night stay in Le Claire, and everything in between.
The Figge is holding its first online “Art Of the Wall” auction through Dec. 13.
“There is something for everyone,” Tombergs said. “If you’ve put off holiday shopping, you’ll find gift ideas for all interests and to fit every budget.”
“Purchases will be available for socially distanced and safe pick-up starting Dec. 19 at Dillard’s NorthPark, so you don’t have to worry about the item getting lost or arriving late. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to complete your holiday shopping at Dillard’s on Dec. 19 and 20 — 10 percent of the money from your in-store purchase will go directly to help kids get on track in school.”
To top off the auction, people are invited to tune in Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. for a 20-minute virtual Holiday Bids to Give show to get a closer look at auction items and have some laughs. A link to the event will be sent when you
United Way proceeds will fund its education programs that promote long-term academic success.
register for the auction at holidaybidstogive.com.
During the show, emcee and Bettendorf City Administrator Decker Ploehn along with his “sidekick,” Scott Naumann of Point Builders, will guide viewers on a hilarious journey with a few surprises, featuring event sponsors Maurissa Korth, Dillard’s manager; Todd Hopkins, Smart Lexus of Quad Cities general manager; and Mo Hyder, Rhythm City Casino’s general manager.
Learn more and register for the auction at holidaybidstogive.com. For more information, contact Gwen Tombergs at gwen@unitedwayqc.org or 563-343-2058.
Support and some auction items for Holiday Bids to Give are provided by event sponsors Dillard’s, dphilms, Smart Lexus of Quad Cities and The Spa at Rhythm City Casino Resort.
In addition to their support, event sponsors are offering gifts and discounts, as well as donating portions of sales to support Women United and United Way’s efforts to help local students. To learn more, visit www.unitedwayqc.org/womenunited.
