This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Tracy Bannon about St. Joseph’s Center’s 20th annual Dennis Crafferty Memorial Auction and $10,000 cash raffle, which benefit the center.
Residence: Waymart
Professional background: Grant specialist
Title: Auction committee member
Q: How does the fundraiser work?
A: The fundraiser will be held online this year because of COVID-19. Despite the challenging circumstances of this year, the St. Joseph’s Center Auxiliary once again demonstrated great creativity and collaboration as the auction committee reinvented this popular event. Participants will be able to view, bid and purchase items through the auction website. The carefully selected items will be available to view via your phone, laptop or computer. There is no cost to register for the silent auction; however, if you wish to actively take part in bidding, you must enter your credit card information. Payment will only be required on items you win or “wishes” you choose to donate. These “wishes,” or non-auction items, are direct donations to St. Joseph’s Center.
Q: What are items being auctioned off?
A: Breckenridge patio heater; fire pit; kayak; Yeti cooler; Cannondale trail bike; and lots of great gifts for women, men, children and for your home. Plus, gift cards, iPads, AirPods and other entertainment.
Q: How can you win the $10,000 cash raffle?
A: You can call 570-207-6656 or visit our website at stjosephscenter.org. Once you call or send in the request to enter, a ticket stub will be mailed to you. If you have any questions about how it works, please feel free to give the auxiliary phone number a call, and we will be happy to help you.
Q: What is your fundraising goal?
A: Our fundraising goal is to successfully auction off all 300-plus items in this year’s auction, which were generously donated by friends of St. Joe’s and local merchants.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: This year, as well as the past several years, patrons to the auction have generously funded items, which directly benefit the residents and clients served by St. Joe’s community and residential-based programs. Proceeds from the auction benefit all services at St. Joe’s.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
