Niagara Pride hosting silent auction/basket raffle to fund WNY LGBTQ+ scholarship

On Saturday, Oct. 12, Niagara Pride will host its largest silent auction and basket raffle ever, with proceeds going to the Jean Hopkins Scholarship, designed to help LGBTQ+ youth pursuing higher education.

This year’s silent auction and basket raffle features over 60 baskets and a list of incredible items to bid on, such as autographed Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid Buffalo Bills jerseys; an autographed Dylan Cozens Buffalo Sabres hockey stick; several signed Bills, Sabres and New York Giants items; original pieces of art from local artists; a hotel and meal package from Russell’s; tickets to “& Juliet” at Shea’s; unique collectibles; home goods and small appliances; and much more.

Also, one individual will win “The Wall of Wine” – 36 bottles of various wines and the wine display rack.

Funds raised will go directly to the Jean Hopkins Memorial Scholarship. Since its inception, the scholarship has been awarded to a number of local WNY LGBTQ+ high school students pursuing higher education. Niagara Pride hopes this event will be successful enough to allow the organization to expand the scholarship to also be able to offer funds to those currently enrolled or those looking to return to school or a training program.

The event will run from 5-9 p.m. at The Kenan Center Mansion, 433 Locust St., Lockport. Tickets cost $5, which includes a glass of wine and light fare.

Pamela Carnes will serve as special guest emcee.

For more information about the silent auction and basket raffle, as well as to prepurchase tickets, go to www.niagarapride.org/auction.

Niagara Pride Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Niagara County and WNY by providing a variety of programs and services. For more information about Niagara Pride, go to www.niagarapride.org.