Turning the Page Chicago recently hosted their second annual Pints & Bites fundraiser and silent auction. All proceeds benefit our families, including purchasing new books, curating learning experiences and field trips, serving healthy food at events, and providing professional development for parent leaders and teachers.
Planning for Pints & Bites
Each year the development and communications staff work together to organize the fundraiser. They research and collect auction items, promote the event, and develop logistics for the day. We sat down with this year’s coordinator to discuss the details.
Justin Barrett is an AmeriCorps VISTA and Communications Specialist for Turning the Page Chicago. His roles include maintaining our social media platforms and supporting the development of Pints & Bites and other fundraisers. Much of his time was spent reaching out to potential donors and creating a unique list of auction items. His goal this year was to “focus on small businesses in our area. So, as we’re helping to promote their businesses, they are helping us by donating auction items,” Justin replied.
Celebrating our work
As Pints & Bites approached, the day was hectic, but overall impactful! Turning the Page supporters from all over the city gathered at Revolution Brewing on May 8, 2018. We had an opportunity to not only display the talents of staff members like Justin, but share in the joys and triumphs of our work. In addition, supporters got a glimpse of what we do after viewing a parent video and hearing from our CEO and director about this year’s progress.
Best of all, guests expressed excitement throughout the night for the wide range of auction items. The highest bidders won items like a spa day and stay at the Dana Hotel and Spa, a vintage bicycle, and a language course with Alliance Française de Chicago. Other items included shopping trips, Chicago Bulls paraphernalia, a family membership to the Museum of Science and Industry, and dining experiences.
When asked about the best part of the night, Justin stated, “Seeing everyone come together to support our cause, have a good time and of course, to bid on stuff!” As for the future of the fundraiser, Justin hopes to “grow the reach of Turning the Page with more fundraisers like Pints & Bites. We want to show the public how much we truly appreciate our donors, families, and partners by supporting their causes.”
Thank you for your support!
“This event was a success because of support from our donors and partners like you! We established a host of new relationships and contributed to our family engagement initiatives in North Lawndale schools!”
– Justin Barrett