More than 60 holiday wreaths to be auctioned for local charities, and event ticket sales to benefit United Way
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) will hold “Wreaths for a Cause” this holiday season and invites the public to attend the Open House where they may celebrate the holidays, enjoy prizes and have the chance to participate in a live and silent auction of wreaths. Tickets are $10 each with proceeds going to the United Way of Danville & Pittsylvania County. Funds from the wreaths will benefit the charity each participating organization designated.
“We’ve always viewed the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research as a toolbox for the community, so what better way to support the backbone of our community than to give back to the charities who so selflessly serve our residents day in and day out,” said Ellen Bass of IALR. “This year, we are pivoting to provide a fresh new twist on our annual holiday service program by featuring decorated wreaths rather than trees, and we are happy to learn that our community and participants appear to be excited.”
The Open House will be held in IALR’s atrium on Dec. 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided. Austin Scher of the Danville Otterbots (and chair of the United Way of Danville & Pittsylvania County campaign) will serve as master of ceremonies, and Rita Smith of River City Auction will serve as wreath auctioneer. A 7:15 p.m. drawing will award a gift card package from local businesses (currently valued at $250); individuals must be present to win. Open House tickets may be purchased online at https://bit.ly/IALR-Wreaths-2021 or at any of the following locations: United Way of Danville & Pittsylvania County, 308 Craghead St. #104, Danville; IALR, 150 Slayton Ave., Danville; Commonwealth Home Health Care, 479 Piney Forest Road, Danville; and Haymore Garden Center, 2720 Franklin Turnpike, Danville.
As in years past with the tree program, area businesses and organizations have created and displayed wreaths in IALR’s atrium in honor of their selected charities to raise funds in the form of votes, or donations. The public may visit IALR’s atrium Nov. 29-Dec. 14 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to vote for wreaths with a donation and to enjoy the festive display. Each charity retains those funds, and the wreath/charity that collects the most money prior to the Open House will receive a bonus of $500. At the Open House, a random drawing of all wreaths will award another $500 to a participating charity.
‘Decorating the Wreaths’ sponsors include URW Community Federal Credit Union, an anonymous donor, Commonwealth Home Health Care, Piedmont Infusion Services and Links Coffee House Café.
