The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction is proud to announce that it has distributed grants totaling $472,045 to 62 area nonprofit organizations.

Grants will be used by local nonprofit organizations to fund wide-ranging programs that support children and their families. These programs address needs that are vital to the well-being of children in our communities, including food and housing insecurity and related emergency assistance; afterschool programs, recreation, education and the arts; childcare and related family resources; and healthcare, including victim outreach and support and preventative health and wellness training.

Jaimie Sousa, GLRCA board chair, said she is proud of the 2021 auction results. “The pandemic years have been difficult for so many people in the Lakes Region. The GLRCA Distribution Committee found that the request for assistance was greater than ever, particularly for basic needs that so many of us take for granted — food, shelter, clothing, safety,” Sousa said.

She added, “Each year we ask our community to come together and help their friends and neighbors. We weren’t sure what to expect during the pandemic, but the generous people of the Lakes Region didn’t let us down. Thank you again to everyone who played their part to raise funds that make a direct impact in the lives of local children.”

Due to the continued COVID-19 health and safety measures, there was no check distribution ceremony in 2021. Instead, each nonprofit organization received personalized award letters informing them of their grant amount.

The next round of GLRCA grant applications will be due by Oct. 15.

For more information about the GLRCA application and funding process, visit childrensauction.com/applyforfunding.

“Many thanks to the hundreds of community members, sponsors and local businesses who donated and bid on items, volunteered their time and effort and participated in various fundraising activities, including those who took part in the 2021 Community Challenge,” Sousa said. “We couldn’t have done it without you. You are all #ChildrensAuctionChampions!”

In the past 40 years, the Auction has distributed $7.5 million to nonprofit organizations in the community. “We are thrilled about that,” Sousa said.

Learn more about the Auction at childrensauction.com, or follow the Children’s Auction on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.