One highlight of the annual Access Press Charlie Smith Award Banquet is the silent auction and pick-a-prize raffle. This year’s banquet is Friday, November 4 in Bloomington. Save the date for an evening of celebration with Minnesota’s disability community. The highlight is the presentation of the award named for Charlie Smith, founding editor of Access Press.

Banquet attendees look forward to the silent auction and raffle, with bidding and ticket purchases during the banquet’s social time. Proceeds are used to support operations of Access Press, Minnesota’s disability community newspaper.

Many donations are needed to make the silent auction and raffle a success. Past items have included tickets to sports and theater events, gift certificates to shops and restaurants, electronics, lovely handmade items, specially designed gift baskets, framed art and photos, and much more. Past auctions have featured stays at an accessible cabin, handmade jewelry, Mall of America packages and even an access ramp.

Everyone likes to win a prize, but silent auction bidding can be financially out of reach for some people. That is why the pick-a-prize raffle was developed. It allows banquet guests to spend a little money and possibly take home a nice prize. Attendees buy raffle tickets, place them in jars and wait for the winning tickets to be drawn.

Donating to the silent auction and raffle is not only a good way to support Access Press, it can also be a way to spotlight a business, group or upcoming event. Donations are tax-deductible.

Deadline to donate is September 30. Contact Office Manager Dawn Frederick at 651-644-2133 or dawn@testing.accesspress.org.

The Access Press Board of Directors reminds everyone that nominations are due Wednesday, August 15 for the award given for service to Minnesota’s disability community. Visit here to get an award nomination form or call 651-644-2133 with questions.