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HUNTINGTON-Sarah DaSilva appreciates the opportunities that the Gateway Youth Athletic Association offers children throughout the Gateway district.
DaSilva, a lifelong Chester resident and mother of two who are involved in sports, serves as fundraising coordinator for GYAA. She is encouraging area residents to attend a Quarter Auction fundraiser on March 23 in Stanton Hall at 24 Russell Road to benefit the nonprofit organization.
“GYAA is the only sports program offered to our seven-town district,” said DaSilva. “I feel sports, like other extracurricular activities, is a way for our children to grow strong bonds at a young age.”
GYAA, a nonprofit volunteer organization, provides athletic opportunities for young people in Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Russell and Worthington.
DaSilva added she has seen firsthand the friendships that have formed by her children participating in GYAA.
“We are a community through the educational aspect but our second families grow even more with this sports program,” said DaSilva.
DaSilva noted that this fundraiser is one of several conducted throughout the year to support GYAA programs.
“Sweatshirts are available throughout the year,” said DaSilva, adding a “Cards for a Cause” fundraiser with greeting cards is also planned this year. “We just completed a Scentsy fundraiser and one of our board members sets up a snack and drinks table at all of our basketball games and we have a snack shack for our soccer season, located in Chester.”
DaSilva is hopeful that the Quarter Auction, now in its second year, will be well attended and become an annual event.
“A quarter auction is part raffle, part auction, part fundraiser and also a direct sales party,” said DaSilva, adding, “it works a bit like bingo.”
Participants are given two numbered paddles of their choice for $5 with additional paddles available for $5. Paddles will have a corresponding numbered chip which will be put into the drawing basket.
“The vendors will have items up for auction,” said DaSilva, noting that all items will be on display. “Guests can see what will be up for auction and decide which items interest them. Guests can use multiple paddles to increase their chances at winning. A number will be chosen and hopefully those that bid hear their number being called.”
Each item will be worth one, two, three or four quarters, added DaSilva.
At press time, vendors set to participate include DaSilva of Usborne Books & More; Becky Cortis of I’m Sew Stichin’ Crafty; Tina Goyette of Perfectly Posh, Origami Owl; Stephanie Snyder of Color Street; Justine Dowd of Scentsy; Giana Aragon of Burst Oral Care, and Deb Mulchay of In-spire.
There is still room for persons to sign up as a vendor. The table fee is $20 plus the donation of two auction items and one raffle prize.
“There is no set value for the donations,” said DaSilva, adding most donations have a minimum $5 value and can go up to $40.
Auction items expected for the fundraiser range from restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, coloring sets for children and koozies to handmade signs, Scentsy merchandise and Tastefully Simple stirrers.
“Vendors are taking time out of their busy schedules to support our young players,” said DaSilva. “If they didn’t do this we wouldn’t have an event.”
Working behind the scenes with DaSilva on planning event logistics includes Becky Cortis who is offering her time to also serve as emcee for the night.
A raffle will also be a highlight of the evening and the cost is $10 for 20 tickets.
“We’re still in the process of contacting businesses and local supporters,” said DaSilva, noting that the Hunt and Hart Cafe has already donated a certificate and Sabrina Kanner will donate a handmade floral item.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with the auction starting promptly at 7. Chips and drinks will be available at each table and outside food is also welcomed.
“If fundraisers like these become successful, not only will they continue to give our young stars updated equipment but also continue to assist in the covering of school use fees to Gateway Regional,” said DaSilva.
For more information to sign up as a vendor or make a donation, contact DaSilva at (413) 426-0517. For information on GYAA, visit www.gogatewaysports.com.
