Jazzin’ fundraiser promises smooth grooves and an auction

Bidding is open for the silent auction portion of the 13th annual Office of Child Care and Family Resources‘ Jazzin’ fundraiser.

Whether you’re looking for Badger football tickets, toys for the kids or a romantic night out in downtown Madison, the silent auction items are sure to turn a few heads this year.

The OCCFR expects to put nearly 30 packages on the auction block that are meant to address a wide variety of interests of our attendees. They also hope to give away about 150 raffle prizes.

Sponsored by Bernie’s Place in collaboration with the OCCFR, the 2010 Jazzin’ fundraiser will be held on Thursday, June 3 in Tripp Commons at the Memorial Union from 5-8 p.m. It will feature music by the Jan Wheaton Quintet and tickets cost $30 at the door or in advance.

Two colleagues, Rita Kehl, retiring from the Madison Metropolitan School District, and Heather Watts, retiring from Bernie’s Place, will be honored. Both have long careers in early childhood education where they have inspired children with rich early learning experiences. Their commitment to cooperation, kindness and community has strengthened early childhood programs and services on campus and in the community.

Aside from the smooth sounds of the jazz quintet, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, the highlights of the event are the silent auction and raffle prizes. Some exciting items are already posted on the OCCFR Web site for both the auction and the raffle, and more items should be pouring in from local businesses and donors as the event approaches.

“I am extremely excited about how our campus partners and community businesses have come forward to support campus child care this year’s event by either purchasing tickets or donating to either the raffle or silent auction,” says Connie Wilson, event organizer.

Bidding for the silent auction is currently open via e-mail or phone. Bidding will then continue at the event from 5-7:45 p.m. with high bidders being announced at 8 p.m. A list of prizes and instructions on how to bid can be found here. Raffle items are also listed on the OCCFR Web site and include gift certificates to local businesses and restaurants. Tickets are $1 each and are available now or at the auction. To purchase them, contact OCCFR office manager Jordan Hanson at (608) 890-0436.

Winners of both the auction and the raffle do not need to be present at the event to claim their prizes, but attendees will have an advantage because they will be given the final opportunity to bid on silent auction items at the fundraiser.

The first 120 Jazzin’ guests will receive a Home Concepts scratch off card. Home Concepts, as well as the UW–Madison Chancellor’s Office, have been instrumental in supporting the fundraiser.

All proceeds will benefit the Connie L. Wilson Center Grant Fund, which annually provides grants to campus child care centers, and the New Initiatives Fund to support new campus child care initiatives.

The OCCFR oversees eight nationally or city accredited campus child care centers that serve about 600 kids each week. It also sponsors programming for parents and families, and provides funding for families in need of child care.