What has nearly 300 items valued at more than $50,000 and is free to the public?
The 13th annual MS Awareness Silent Auction, scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 5 at Mr. Chubby's Wings in Ponte Vedra Beach. The proceeds — 100% — benefit the more than 18,000 North Floridians impacted by multiple sclerosis.
“The overwhelming generosity and support by beach-area residents goes to show they want to see a world free of MS,” said North Florida NMSS Chapter president Heidi Katz. “The event has set a fundraising record every year since 2013. And that money supports programs and services right here in North Florida.”
Items this year include art, jewelry, more than 80 restaurants, service providers, concerts, retailers, activities, travel, hotels and much more. The event also includes a popular 50-50 drawing.
Local donors include Tropical Smoothie Cafe, North Guana Outpost, Pussers, Flo's Premium Ice Cream, New York Butcher Shop, Sierra Grille, Beach Diner, Aqua Grill, Millie's, Coastal Wine Market, 9 to 5 Pets, Nona Blue, Bronx House Pizza and Pinspiration.
Outside of the annual Oct. 4-5 Bike MS PGA Tour Cycle to the Shore, a two-day bicycle ride from Ponte Vedra Beach to Daytona Beach and back, the silent auction is the chapter's largest do-it-yourself fundraising event. Bike MS will be held for the 39th time this fall. For details and registration information on the ride, go to events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.event&eventID=2396.
For the 13th consecutive year, the MS Awareness Silent Auction has been sponsored by local 23-person cycling team Big Bananas, the Southeast Region’s top fundraiser.
