LACONIA—The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction (GLRCA) last week distributed $525,000 in grants to 60 area nonprofit organizations at a luncheon event at the Huot Career and Technical Center that also included a workshop on digital marketing.

The 60 nonprofit leaders gathered their checks during the meet-and-greet event that also offered lunch prepared by students at the center and the half-hour marketing presentation. 

Corina Locke, the creative director of SnapRoot Creative Digital Marketing, an agency that collaborates with the Auction, offered the talk on how nonprofits can use an online software graphics program called Canva to enhance the posting they are doing on social platforms like Facebook.

“We were glad to see everyone enjoying their meal and feeling grateful not only for their grant but for the chance to network with other nonprofit leaders and to learn from Corina,” said Jaimie Sousa, chair of the Auction board. “It was a great opportunity to get everyone together.”

Grants will be used by the local nonprofit organizations to fund wide-ranging programs that support local children and families in need. 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.

The Auction had $686,398 in requests in 2022 from 65 nonprofits and awarded $525,000 to 60 agencies. For specific distribution information, visit https://www.childrensauction.com/whereourmoneygoes.  

Sousa is pleased with the 2022 Auction results. “In 2020 and 2021, while still impressive, our fundraising was impacted by the financial pressures of the pandemic. I am beyond thrilled to see the Auction emerging stronger than ever with a new fundraising record set in 2022,” she said. “These funds are significantly improving the lives of local children by ensuring their basic needs are met, and they have opportunities to thrive. There are so many people from the Lakes Region and beyond that made this possible, and we cannot thank you enough for your generous contributions.”

Sousa also thanked the Auction’s board’s Distribution Committee, which reviews all the grant applications and makes recommendations on funding. 

“We are so lucky to have a group of truly dedicated community volunteers who carefully review every application to ensure that we are best meeting the requirements and wishes of the children in need in our local communities,” said Cindy Hemeon-Plessner, chair of the Distribution Committee. “Because of the committees’ strength with problem solving, analysis, empathy and community awareness, we are able to ensure all who donate, bid and volunteer that the funding is being spent wisely.”

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

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

In past 41 years, the Auction has distributed $8 million to nonprofit organizations in the community.  

Learn more about the Auction at www.childrensauction.org, or follow the Children’s Auction on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. 

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction

The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction holds numerous fundraising events in central New Hampshire throughout the year, including a cornerstone event every December. Countless volunteers and donors have turned the Auction and its many fundraising events into a major annual campaign, incorporating the Community Challenge. In the 41 years that the community has come together for the Auction, an impressive $8 million has been raised and awarded to local nonprofit organizations, all through volunteer efforts, community donations, and corporate sponsorship. The Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps community organizations in the Central New Hampshire region. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports, and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

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