Silent auction on DI to benefit families struggling to adopt

“Bless the Children” event to be held at Holy Cross Church on Sept. 29

Adoption is something that crosses many Americans’ minds. In fact, 33 percent of U.S. citizens consider adoption, but, unfortunately, only two percent follow through, according to Daniel Island resident Tammy Groher, who is currently going through the adoption process with her husband, Logan.

Why don’t more people adopt children? The biggest factor, explained Tammy, is cost.

“The biggest deterrent for us to not adopt when we realized we couldn’t have more kids, was that it was so expensive,” she said. “It’s $30,000 basically to do domestic adoption - and international was even more expensive and time consuming.”

The Grohers are not alone. Through their church, The Church of the Holy Cross on Daniel Island, and the community, Tammy and Logan have met other families in similar circumstances.

Once Holy Cross Church caught word that the Grohers were trying to adopt, they immediately offered assistance, said Tammy.

“I was literally sweating how I was going to start the fundraising process and I got an email from our pastor who said, ‘We’re giving you $1,000 and we’re going to have a fundraiser for you,’” added Tammy. “I didn’t even have to do anything. It’s not about us and the fact that we’re adopting, but it’s about how, out of the blue, everyone started helping us and supporting us.”

Initially, the church hosted a small cookout to raise funds to help the Grohers, continued Tammy. But she had another idea.

“We have a lot of talent in the church and we wanted to expose the people that do arts and crafts,” said Tammy. “I had in mind this tiny little silent auction on the side.”

After running into some bumps in the beginning, suddenly donations started pouring in.

“When I finally decided that I was going to do this, I started really getting on Facebook contacting friends and family and people from Daniel Island,” explained Tammy. “All of a sudden, there were all these people that were donating. There were all these local businesses and I very quickly realized they get asked for donations all the time. It was these small businesses, not the big corporate ones, that were so willing to donate.”

What originally was going to be a fundraiser for the Grohers was now big enough to benefit any family in the area that is going through the adoption process but cannot afford it. The “Bless the Children” silent auction is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Church of the Holy Cross.

“We have about 40 local businesses, artists and people working out of their home,” said Tammy. “It’s a lot more than I expected. We have close to $10,000 worth of stuff that’s been donated. It’s growing into a pretty big event. Currently, we have about 60 to 70 items available for bidding and are expecting 200 to 300 people.”

The event will have live music, food, non-alcoholic beverages/mocktails and items to bid on, mostly from local businesses, both homegrown and family owned, she continued.

The auction will include local paintings, art, signs, jewelry; music, karate and dance lessons; hair services, reiki, massage, parent coaching and home improvement services; gift baskets; antiques; kitchenware; Christmas decor; camping/hiking gear, health and beauty products; accessories; kids’ toys/games and more.

There are two highlighted items in the auction, added Tammy. One is a week at Grand Timber Lodge Resort and Spa in Breckenridge, CO in a three bedroom, three bathroom unit for the week of Dec. 2 through 9, 2017. The unit includes a washer and dryer, living room, dining area and can sleep three couples or up to 10 people comfortably and is valued at $3,500 with an opening bid of $1000.

“This is a ‘ski in/ski out’ lodge,” said Tammy. “Amenities include a restaurant, spa, game room and numerous pools and hot tubs—indoor and outdoor—and a convenient ski rental shop. Breckenridge Ski Resort is part of Vail Resorts so there are opportunities to ski at multiple locations nearby.”

The second highlighted item is a swing bed by Vintage Porch Swings, valued at $1200 with an opening bid of $200.

Tammy emphasized the gratitude she and her family have for The Church of the Holy Cross and all who donated.

“Obviously I want to thank the community and, particularly, Holy Cross church,” she said. “Everyone has gone above and beyond to help us. Although we don’t have a formal committee as most auctions would have, my biggest help has come from Doris Martin. She volunteered early on and has been working non stop to bring in donations and help me know what to do.”

“I also want to thank Lisa Brainerd who has recently joined our planning ‘team,’” she continued. “She was another answer to prayer and has gotten us moving forward again when I felt most overwhelmed with the next steps. I have to include my family. My husband and kids have helped, but also who have missed spending time with me because I’m always ‘distracted’ by the auction. My extended family that have generously donated and are very encouraging about the whole adoption process.”

Tammy also wanted to highlight the following businesses for donating products and services to the cause: Agaves Cantina; Alecia Kleffman, Stox & Co. Salon; Amanda Hill, Beachbody coach; Andrew Clay, local artist; At Home; Rachel Urso, Celebrity Baby Trends and Simplay3; Cooper River Cycles; Cupcake Downsouth; Dawn Harris, Market House Realty; Chris Hamlin, Christian Brother’s Automotive; Christine Donovan, PCI Certified Parent Coach; Daniel Island Real Estate; Layla Mustafa, Daniel Island Salon; Glenn Raus, Japan Karate Institute of Daniel Island; Jeremy Mills, DI Detailing; DI Grille; Egan’s Spirits; Dr. Tara Miler, First Family Chiropractic; Dr. Gilreath, Goose Creek Family Dentistry; Hannah Bowers, pianist; Harvest Bread company; Island Expressions; Holly Marie, Island Organizer; Kelley Bard, Design consultant; Kris Price Pratt, Drift with Kris Pratt; Laura Albert’s; Laurie Ganger Hubbs, Laurielgh Designs; Lucia’s Premium Pet; Amy Gangi, Matrix Kids Rooms; Gail Solomon, Mission Essentials; Nancy Heeg Mielcarek, CLL Realty; Orlando’s; Palmetto Party Booths; Peter Nigel Estes, local artist (“Vibrant Impressionism”); Paige Martin Grimble; India Hicks; Paisley; Peace, Love, Hip Hop; Refuel; Sky Zone; Vanessa Knight Marchant, 3 Peas Boutique; Sonya Altenbach, Stella and Dot jewelry; Brent McHenry, Vintage Porch Swings; Volvo Car Open; Wonderworks and many more.

Tickets for the event are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. If interested in donating an item or money to the auction, or purchasing tickets, contact Tammy Groher at tgroher@gmail.com or Doris Martin at mamacakes9@gmail.com.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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