Be Able, a Manhattan nonprofit, raised about $105,000 with its Upside Down Auction Thursday night, surpassing its goal of $90,000. The Utopia Room of St. Thomas More’s parish was full of volunteers, Be Able neighbors and donors. This was the auction’s second year.
“It’s a reverse-style auction,” said Scott Voos, the executive director of Be Able. “In most non-profit fundraising methods, people go there with the auction opportunity. They make bids to get something. They get a trip or they get an object. With this, people bid to give opportunities to people.”
Kia Harris, a veteran and mother, gave her testimony of how Be Able helped her to overcome obstacles in her life. She attended the Upside Auction Thursday with her family. Staff photo by Emma LouraOne of the baskets on the silent auction table, representing a “step forward” in employment opportunities. Staff photo by Emma LouraThe Utopia Room of St. Thomas More Catholic Church’s parish was full of people Thursday night for Be Able’s Upside Down Auction. Staff photo by Emma LouraThe silent auction table, where people could write down their bids. The highest bids went towards helping people in need get their lives back in order with employment opportunities or housing. Staff photo by Emma LouraThe auction table, where people could bid donation amounts towards needs such as housing or a shower. Staff photo by Emma LouraOne of the e-bikes raffled off Thursday at Be Able’s Upside Down Auction. Staff photo by Emma LouraBe Able’s program director, Marlon Jackson, right, sits next to Vern Henricks, the CEO and president of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. Staff photo by Emma LouraThe silent auction table, where people could bid on various needs, like housing, bedding or healthcare — necessities most may take for granted. Staff photo by Emma Loura
