CCRx's first online Fun-draiser, Babs BDay Auction, was a great success -- we raised needed funds, inspired creativity, built community and had loads of FUN!
The auction celebrated CCRx Founder Barbara Koenen's 60th birthday. While her initial vision was for a big party at the CCRx warehouse, the coronavirus pandemic shifted the celebration to an online auction that in several respects engaged more people, in more varied ways, than a single event!
"I've been blessed with so many generous and creative friends over the years, the auction became a great way to make connections between them through their own creative ideas", said Koenen. The auction featured activities, experiences and services, along with an assortment of art, handcrafted and unusual objects.
Examples included a 30 minute concert via Facetime from Sima Cunningham and from Steve Dawson + Diane Christiansen; a 30 minute radio interview with Rick Kogan; Dinner for 4 Delivered to your Door and a curated film festival from the Siskel Film Center from Jean de St. Aubin; a 3D Virtual Reality Tour of the Worlds Columbian Exposition; Mandel Bread Baking with Alicia Berg, Landscape Design Consultation from Chris Gent Landscapes, Composting with Beth Eckerty, Boxed Water is Better Starter Kit, Leadership consulting with Esther Grimm and much more.
Over $10,000 was raised through auction and general donations. The funds will help CCRx develop an online marketplace and bring on dedicated staff positions.
Participating donors were:
Macus Alonso Iker Gil Erik Newman
Nancy Bechtol Amber Ginsburg Michelle Nordmeyer
Alicia Berg Esther Grimm Caroline O'Boyle
Alice Berry Deirdre Hamill Squiers Jason Pickleman
Georgia Boothe John Hern Andy Pierce
Elizabeth Burke-Dain Fred Holland Anne Rashford / Museum of Science + Industry
Tom Burtonwood Aaron Hughes Marina Rheault Post
Rich Cahan +
Michael Williams Regin Igloria Carlos Rolon
Lacy Coligan Mark Jeffrey Alison Ruttan
Sima Cunningham Jackie Kazarian Tim Samuelson
JB Daniel Barbara Koenen Lisa Snyder
Lewis Dark Rob Koenen Jean de St. Aubin
Karen Darling Rick Kogan David Travis
Steve Dawson +
Diane Christiansen N. Masani Landfair Kathryn Trumbull Fimreite
Beth Eckerty Louise LeBourgeois Georgina Valverde
Christine Esposito Ruth Lopez Tricia Van Eck
William Estrada Bill MacKay Joanne Vena
Peter Exeley Nathan Mason Pooja Vukosavich
Duey Fimreite Kathleen McCarthy Chris Ware
Marlise Fratinardo Sara McIntosh / Chicago
School of Shoemaking Oli Watt
Dianna Frid Adelheid Mers Cassandra Westover
Martha Frish Susan Messer McBride William Zbaren
Chris Gent Annie Morse Alison Zehr