Knoxville Non-Profit Hand Up for Women Hopes Annual Online Auction Raises More Than Ever Before
Money raised goes to its largest operating budget in history
The Knoxville nonprofit, Hand UP for Women is hosting its annual Hand UP for Change online auction fundraiser ends Sunday, October 29 at 10 p.m.
All proceeds from the auction go to the operating budget for the ministry, a 501c3. In September, Hand UP for Women announced it will be moving to a new location on Buffat Mill. The new 3.5-acre property is pastoral and remote—something most women in the program have never experienced.
Having a larger property allows Hand UP for Women to serve more women. Once renovations are complete, the new location will accommodate 25 women in the program. Currently, Hand UP for Women can serve a maximum of 15 women, meaning they have to turn away deserving women. In addition to a large yard, there are three bedrooms, additional apartments, an office, classroom and storage space. With this expansion comes a greater need to raise $25,000 through the Hand UP for Change auction.
“We hope to see the community–really anyone from around the world—bid in this year’s auction. Because the support we receive from Hand UP for Change is paramount for serving many more women,” Executive Director, Eva Pierce said.
There are more than 100 items to bid on including a day at Neyland Stadium for the ultimate UT football experience, gift cards to local stores and restaurants, cabin rentals, several handmade gifts from local artisans and makers, tickets to popular East Tennessee attractions, gift baskets, a Tony Vitello autographed baseball, jewelry, golf items and more! People can begin holiday shopping while supporting a good cause.
Since 2003, Hand UP for Women has aided hundreds of East Tennessee women living in poverty or on public assistance for various reasons. These women may need help overcoming addiction or escaping an abusive relationship and have no support to do differently.
Hand UP for Women provides support systems and mentorship as well as a series of classes to teach women career-readiness, character development, interpersonal skills and spiritual development to equip them with the tools they need to achieve a self-sustainable life.
This is Hand UP for Women’s second-largest fundraiser of the year. The annual spring gala is the first.
About Hand UP for Women
Hand Up for Women is a life-management and career-readiness ministry that brings dignity, self-confidence and hope to women who might otherwise remain trapped in addiction, abuse, poverty, and despair. It provides long-term, healthy friendships, and a year-long series of twice-weekly classes that teach women to realize their full potential in every area of life. Because of the long-term investment in their lives made by all those involved in Hand UP for Women, participants find and own the personal strength and courage to achieve self-reliance helping them become who God created them to be.
