Empower holds 10th annual 'Snowflake Basket Auction' at Volare Lodge

Empower will hold its 10th annual “Snowflake Basket Auction” from 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 22, and then from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Volare Lodge, 56th Street and Kies, Niagara Falls.

Attendance is free, and proceeds benefit individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In the past, funds from the “Snowflake Basket Auction” were used for summer camp registration fees, basic supplies for families in need, and teaching materials.

Kevin, an individual supported by Empower, said, “I love going to the basket auction every year with my friends. I also am able to participate in fun summer activities such as summer camp because of this event.”

This year’s auction features themed basket and silent auction items, as well as a big-ticket raffle promoted with pre-event ticket sales. The big-ticket raffle items are a 65-inch Vizio 4K smart television and $250 cash. 

Big-ticket raffle tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the event, or by contacting Cheryl Seelbinder at 716-297-0798, ext. 134, or [email protected]. Ticket drawings begin at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 25.

Attendees can also try their hand at winning gift certificates, merchandise and baskets from the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Buffalo Bills, Maid of the Mist and Oogie Games, among others. Winners need not be present to win, except for the silent auction.

Food will be available for purchase, including a spaghetti dinner on Friday night, and pizza, chowder, submarine sandwiches and Russ’ famous snowflake cookies and homemade fudge on Saturday.

Event sponsors include Smokin Joes, Wegmans, Mason’s Mission and Randy’s Smoke Shop.

With 300 employees and a $14 million budget, Empower is one of Western New York’s 50 largest nonprofit organizations. The administrative offices, preschool, community clinic and service coordination program are located on Lockport Road in the Town of Niagara. The job-training and day programs division is based in Niagara Falls, while residential facilities are located throughout Niagara County. Licensed by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the New York State Education Department, Empower is an affiliate of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State.