Like many local nonprofits, Cancer CAREpoint has had to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions with a virtual iteration of its annual fundraising gala. The Cancer CAREpoint Garden Party, originally set for the Saratoga home of John and Melinda DiNapoli, will instead be held online Aug. 23.
The $500,000 fundraising goal remains the same for the San Jose-based nonprofit, founded by Los Gatos resident Jan Willoughby and Saratogan Gay Crawford to provide support for cancer patients and their families in Silicon Valley.
Because the raffle and silent and live auctions will be online, there will be no cost to attend this year’s event, which organizers hope will increase the number of potential bidders.
“This alternative format allows us to reach people who ordinarily would not be able to attend,” says event sponsor Libie Cilker of Saratoga. “Everyone can join the party and bid on the auctions. It’s free, and we are not limited by geography.”
Longtime San Jose vendors such as Hi-5 Catering and Bloomsters in Almaden Valley and Bert George of Joseph George Wines in Willow Glen have stepped up to accommodate the venue change, while auction committee members have contributed their own high-end auction baskets. Former auction chair Paula Ball is creating a “Mystery Wallet” raffle item, filled with gift cards and cash for shopping and dining valued at over $1,000.
Auction items include a garden basket contributed by Saratoga Village Gardeners, and dinner for eight at home prepared by chef Daniel Nally of The Basin Restaurant, with service provided by several Cancer CAREpoint board members. Another “hot” item is a dinner at the Saratoga Fire Station once shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted.
“What’s been remarkable about our Virtual Garden Party is how people have jumped in willingly to help support our organization,” says Cancer CAREpoint Executive Director Dawn Hogh, “Committee members have written personal checks to local businesses to purchase gift certificates for the auction yet credited the business as supporters.”
Adds Crawford, “The support we have gotten says a lot about the community and support of Cancer CAREpoint.”
The nonprofit has continued to support its clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering virtual meditation, nutrition and exercise classes as well as online support groups and counseling.
To reserve a virtual seat at the Garden Party and purchase raffle tickets, visit www.cancercarepoint.org/events/gardenparty.
Silent auction items will be ready for online bids beginning Aug. 20.
