Sanford Hospice gala goes virtual

Sanford Luverne Hospice has moved its annual charity dinner and auction to an online event to protect attendees and staff during this ongoing pandemic.
“This was a hard decision,” said Helen Saum, volunteer and marketing coordinator at Sanford Luverne Hospice.
“When we first postponed the event due to COVID and everything shutting down, we had set a new event date of Aug. 29. But looking at it now and still having restrictions on gatherings, we just can’t be sure we’d be able to have the dinner and auction as we know it.”
In past years the event involved silent and live auctions, a raffle, as well as a themed dinner that was considered a major social event.
It raised $72,000 for Luverne Hospice in 2019.
Saum said she expects the revenue to be lower this year without a live auction and the loss of several big-ticket items such as Minnesota Twins tickets, group outings and gift certificates with expirations unable to be extended.
“The need for a fundraiser is as high as ever but we want to keep people safe and healthy,” she said.
The virtual auction will be a new, secure website set up very similar to online shopping. People register to browse and then can choose to bid.
“I hope everyone checks it out even if they didn’t have tickets to the scheduled event,” Saum said. “There is really something for everyone.”
Sanford Luverne Hospice is now calling some people and businesses whose donations were affected to explain the new process and to make sure donations are still coming in and still valid, including extended expiration dates if possible.
“One of the advantages of the online auction is anyone can bid from the comfort of their home, their lake cabin or wherever and whenever it is convenient for them,” Saum said.
“They can use the site on a smartphone, computer or tablet so we are hopeful for a good response to the new format.”
Ticketholders and sponsor tables are able to use 100 percent of the cost as a tax deduction. All ticketholders will still be entered into a drawing to the “Trip for Two to San Francisco/Napa Valley” with a year to use the package.
Table sponsors are still eligible to win the prize “Backyard Grill-Out Party for 20 People.” Raffle drawing for quilt and cash prizes will be held Aug. 29 and winners will be notified.
Luverne Hospice expects the auction website to be launched Aug. 5 and will promote it then. Call 283-1805 with questions or to donate auction items before July 20.
“I want to thank everyone for their patience,” Saum said. “We need and appreciate the continued support of our communities.”