Distribution luncheon offers nonprofit leaders time to connect, collaborate

LACONIA—The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction recently distributed $609,700 in grants to 63 area nonprofit organizations at a luncheon at the Huot Career and Technical Center.

The 63 nonprofit leaders accepted their checks during the meet-and-greet event that also offered nonprofit leaders the chance to collaborate and share challenges and strategies over a lunch prepared by students at the center. 

“We were glad to see everyone enjoying this celebration of their successes, feeling grateful not only for their grant but for the chance to gather with other nonprofit leaders and share stories and ideas,” said Jennifer Kelley, the auction’s executive director. “It was a great opportunity for everyone.”

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

The auction had over $800,000 in requests in 2023 and awarded $609,700 to 63 agencies. For a list of organizations that received funding, visit childrensauction.com/whereourmoneygoes.  

The auction’s board president, Doug Morrissette, is pleased with the process the organization uses to determine grant eligibility. 

“We have a Distribution Committee that works tirelessly over many months to review grant requests, and these committee members also look at the health of each organization and its past use of funding to ensure that every dollar the auction grants has impact,” Morrissette said. “We are confident that funds we raise and distribute significantly work to improve the lives of local children and their families by ensuring their basic needs are met, and they have opportunities to thrive.”

Cindy Hemeon-Plessner, chair of the Distribution Committee, said, “The committee is charged with problem-solving, analysis, empathy and community awareness, so we can assure 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. To apply for funding or learn more, visit childrensauction.org/apply-for-funding.

In past 42 years, the auction has distributed $8.6 million to nonprofit organizations in the community.  

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

About the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction

Numerous fundraising events in the Lakes Region throughout the year support the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, including our four-day signature event every December. In the past four decades we have distributed more than $8.6 million to over 80 nonprofits that serve low-income families and children in the Lakes Region, all through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorship. The Auction falls under the umbrella of the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Fund for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps local community organizations that serve children and families in need. For more information about the Auction, the nonprofits it supports and how you can help, visit ChildrensAuction.org.

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