Despite an unpredictable year, Care Train organizers said the community has once again come together to support one another.
“You don’t know what to expect, but this has been beyond my expectations,” said Care Train Executive Director Pam Sturwold.
Although not in-person, the Care Train auction will carry on.
Bid boards are open until Friday, Sturwold said. The first group of items will close at noon, with more ending every half hour until all bids are closed at 5:30 p.m.
Care Train Vice President Dan Fitzgerald emphasized that all bid boards will be closed before the virtual, live auction begins at 6 p.m. It will feature 21 items that have not yet opened for bidding.
Sturwold said portions of the livestream will be pre-recorded but Auctioneer Danny Westlake will conduct the bidding in real time.
Auction Day Co-Chair David Laslow, son of founder Dave Laslow, said this year’s auction will be “a completely different experience.”
He said this is the “best time ever” for those who have never seen a Care Train auction to tune in because it combines a new approach with familiar elements.
Rather than a six-hour, Saturday morning auction, Laslow said the online version will last between one-and-a-half and two hours on Friday night.
The date was originally changed to avoid a scheduling conflict with the Ohio State-Michigan game, which has since been canceled.
While the virtual auction will look different than it ever has, Laslow said the program will still honor the 34-year history of the Care Train.
He said viewers will see a few “surprises,” but mentioned photos and videos of past auctions will be featured.
Laslow said the organization’s motto throughout 2020 has been “creative and fun.”
Fitzgerald said some of the creative changes may even “become permanent” in future auctions.
Those interested can watch the auction on YouTube or Spectrum channel 1022. Sturwold recommended visiting www.caretrain.org and clicking on the direct links to watch or bid on items.
While organizers and volunteers are aiming to “put on a show” Friday night, Fitzgerald said the largest goal is ensuring Care Train’s mission is accomplished.
“At the end of the day, did we help all the people?” he said.
Sturwold said Care Train is supporting 619 children, 301 families, 76 individuals with disabilities and 119 seniors in 2020.
The number of people served is similar to the amount last year.
“Nothing has been compromised” in light of COVID-19, Sturwold said.
Proceeds from the auction and donations to Care Train will provide food vouchers for the families, adults and seniors in need.
Every child was “adopted” by a family that will purchase Christmas presents for them this year, Sturwold explained.
Typically, Care Train organizes a pick-up day the weekend following the auction at which families receive their donated, wrapped toys.
Sturwold said the event usually requires about 100 volunteers to help the 300 families in attendance.
Since socially distancing and other safety guidance could not be enforced at a present pick-up day, Sturwold said Care Train asked those who adopted a child to deliver the gifts to their homes.
She said participants were willing to do “more than what we needed.”
Many families have said they’ve been able to forge a connection with one another through the deliveries, Sturwold added. Several have even asked if they can request to adopt the same children next year.
Honda also hosted a smaller present pick-up day for 200 children. With their resources, Sturwold said the event could abide by public health guidelines.
She said it is an example of how residents throughout the county were willing to step up to help others, even in the midst of a challenging pandemic.
“The community wants to see this do well,” Sturwold said.
She reminded residents that they cannot go to McAuliffe’s in an attempt to see the auction in-person. Those with winning bids, however, can pick up their items there from 4-8 p.m. Friday or 9-11 a.m. Saturday.
“I’m so proud of Union County,” Sturwold said. “Everyone comes together to make sure everyone is taken care of.”