KOSCIUSKO — iBOP, Indiana Business Opportunity Partners, a local not-for-profit group that holds several events throughout the year donated $8,684.79 last year back into our community to support local charities. 

iBOP will be holding their biggest fundraiser of the year on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Baker Youth Club on Smith Street in Warsaw. This year iBOP supports A Bridge to Hope with the eighth annual Winter Wonderland Bazaar & Quarter Paddle Auction. 

“We want to bring awareness to what A Bridge to Hope is striving to accomplish,” said Betty Swanson, iBOP president. 

The fundraiser features a craft show/vendor bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab bags are available for the first 25 patrons through the door (ages 18+). The bazaar is free for all ages to attend. There are still a few spots left for vendors, so contact iBOP today to reserve your space. The quarter paddle auction portion of the fundraiser will be held from 1 – 4 p.m., with the quarter paddle auction doors opening at noon. There will be over 100 items up for bid from the vendors, crafters and local merchants. There will be no one under 18 admitted to the quarter paddle auction.

Auction admission tickets are available in advance for $5 and will be $7 the day of the auction. Tickets are limited so get yours early to guarantee your seat. During the auction, admission tickets will be exchanged for a numbered auction paddle. Items with a retail value up to $24.99 cost bidders one quarter. For each $25 dollar increase, an additional quarter is added. An item valued at $75 or higher will only be four quarters to bid. 

Bidders will raise their paddles and supply a quarter per retail level of the item up for sale, entering them into a drawing. Should a paddle number be drawn that did not bid, guests are asked to shout, “No bid,” and follow an honor system. There will be one winner per round. All monies collected are donated to the charity. 

In addition to partnering with “A Bridge to Hope”, members of iBOP have each donated an item from their direct sales business to a raffle basket. This basket is valued at over $140. The monies collected from the raffle basket will be donated to Combined Community Services, a local food pantry and help center. 

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