Orange County Rape Crisis Center hosts 24th Annual Holiday Auction

Raising money in a tough economy has been a challenge for the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, but its staff is hoping the upcoming 24th Annual Holiday Auction will help it meet its financial goals.

“The past few years have been tough for us with the economy,” said Alyson Culin, development and marketing director for the center. “Our numbers took a hit.”

On Sunday evening, the center will host the auction, its biggest fundraiser of the year, at the Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel.

The event will include a live auction, an open buffet and a signature dessert auction.

Last year, the center raised $80,000 at the auction, and this year it hopes to increase that number to $85,000, Culin said.

The center plans to use the money raised for its newly expanded support groups that use alternative therapy and encourage healing through art, movement and nature.

“Traditional support groups are not everyone’s way to heal,” said Dr. Beth Goldstein, who will be hosting this year’s auction.

These groups will offer more options for the rising number of clients at the center.

In the past several years, the center went from serving 30 to 40 people a month to serving nearly 80 people a month, Culin said.

“We do not believe that violence is occurring more frequently,” she said. “Rather, we feel that people are more comfortable reporting it.”

Based on current ticket sales, the center expects to see 250 people at the auction this year — a decrease from last year’s 275 that Culin attributes to the economy.

“The auction is a great way to have fun, see old friends, make new friends, and all in support of sexual violence treatment and prevention,” said Dr. Adam Goldstein, who is hosting the event along with his wife.

Culin said they will auction off roughly 200 to 250 items donated by local businesses, restaurants and individuals.

Melissa Lowery, owner of SSD Jewelry, donated a handmade metal bracelet with a lyric from the singer Jewel stamped onto it.

“All of the quotes that I use in my work are positive, inspiring and hopeful,” Lowery said. “And this cause is reaching out to people who desperately need those three things.”

Gerrie Nunn served on the OCRCC Board of Directors 24 years ago and spearheaded the first holiday auction.

“We started out with 40 people and over the years we have hosted as many as 300 people at these auctions,” she said.

Tickets for the auction are currently on sale at the center’s website.

“We think that those who attend will receive far more than they give, but we hope they will give generously,” Adam Goldstein said.

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