Pictured are Claudia Rosen, 85 Hope board vice president; Erin Shaw, nurse practitioner/clinical coordinator; and Tara Smith, iBOP vice-president.

KOSCIUSKO — Although Indiana Business Opportunity Partners was proud to present a check totaling $1,392.33 to the charity organization 85 Hope, we are deeply saddened by the recent sudden death of Sandra Boone, who was serving as 85 Hope executive director.

iBOP, a local not-for-profit group, has several events throughout the year to support area charities. iBOP hosted the charity bazaar and quarter auction on April 14 at Southwood Elementary School.

The bazaar featured area direct sales vendors and crafters. The first 25 patrons through the doors received a free swag bag. Auction tickets were available in advance for $5 and were $7 the day of the auction. During the auction, admission tickets were exchanged for a numbered auction paddle. Bidders then raised their paddles and supplied a quarter per retail level of the item up for sale, entering them into a drawing. Items with a retail value of up to $24.99 cost bidders 1 quarter to bid.

For each $25 dollar increase, an additional quarter was added. A $100 item was only a four quarter bid. Should a paddle number be drawn that did not bid, guests were asked to follow an honor system and shout, “No bid.” No item cost bidders more than four quarters to bid on. There was a winner every round and there were over 100 items up for bid during the auction.

85 Hope was chosen as the Charity of Focus to bring awareness to all that 85 Hope offers as a free clinic to the Wabash community. 85 Hope offers basic medical care, help with medications and offers health education to those with little to no insurance. In addition to needing prayers and financial donations, 85 Hope is looking for volunteers.

iBOP also chose to partner with Helping Hands of Wabash County with a donation of the raffle basket proceeds from the event. Each iBOP member donated an item from their direct sales business to the raffle basket. Patrons purchased raffle basket tickets for the opportunity to win a basket valued at over $130. iBOP was able to present a check for $96 to Helping Hands.

At Helping Hands, in addition to providing food and clothing, they also offer programs designed to fulfill life’s basic needs, including offering free haircuts. They teach others to become active in their own successes through involvement and education for children, families and individuals. The Helping Hands goal is to encourage each next step, helping others to become more self-sufficient and enable them to then give back to others.

For those who missed the event or for those who attended and want to join for the next event, iBOP will be hosting their next bazaar and quarter auction fundraiser on Nov. 10 at the Baker Youth Club in Warsaw.

The bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free for all ages to attend. The quarter auction portion of the event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. No one under the age of 18 is allowed. Tickets will be required for entry. There will be approximately 100 items up for bid from the vendors and crafters.

For tickets, to be a vendor, or for more information, you may contact Betty at (574) 527-6005 or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/iBOPfans.