Pictured, from left, are Betty Swanson, iBOP president, and Eric Lane, executive director of Fellowship Missions.

KOSCIUSKO — Indiana Business Opportunity Partners was proud to present $2,159.82 to Fellowship Missions recently after hosting its 6th annual spring bling bazaar and quarter auction on March 24. The local not-for-profit group, known as iBOP, has several events throughout the year to support local charities.

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. Bidder’s then raise their paddles and supply 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. 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 bidder’s more than four quarters to bid on. There is a winner every round and there were over 100 items up for bid during the auction.

Fellowship Missions was chosen as the Charity of Focus to continue to bring awareness to all they provide to the community. Fellowship Missions Homeless Shelters were created to meet the needs of people in our community through sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ. It is Fellowship Missions’ heart’s desire to give individuals a safe and loving place and to help them achieve a better way for themselves and their families. To learn about helping Fellowship Missions please visit www.fellowshipmissions.net

In addition to the donation to Fellowship Missions, iBOP has chosen to partner with Combined Community Services for all of their Kosciusko County events with a donation of the raffle basket proceeds. Each iBOP member donates an item from their direct sales business to the raffle basket. Patrons brought food items to receive raffle tickets and/or purchased raffle basket tickets for the opportunity to win the basket valued at over $130. In addition to all the food that was collected iBOP was able to present CCS with a check for $246.75.

CCS needs donations year-round to help those in our community. Visit www.combinedcommunityservices.org/ to learn how you can help.

For those who missed the event or for those who attended and want to join in the fun at the next event, iBOP will be holding a Bazaar and Quarter Auction fundraiser on April 14, at Southwood Elementary School in Wabash. This event will benefit 85 HOPE, who offers free basic medical care for Wabash residents without insurance.

The Bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free for all ages to attend. The Quarter Auction is open to ages 18+. A ticket is required for entry. The auction doors open at noon with the auction beginning at 1:00.

Pictured, from left, are Betty Swanson, iBOP president, Lacey Alber CCS intake and volunteer coordinator and Stephen Possell, executive director CCS.