NAMI Executive Director Laura Yanez said she has her eye on the “Spice it Up” gift basket that includes a gift card from the Fox Brewpub, hot sauces, and dipping sauces. All are invited to view the auction items and place bids to support NAMI at event.gives/sharinghope. (Photo: Faith Evans/Nevada Appeal)
Hiking with goats, a cruise for two, monthly Nothing Bundt cakes for a year, and more – the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Western Nevada has gathered some unique donations for their silent auction Saturday.
Better yet, they’re already getting bids. Before the live virtual event on Saturday at 6 p.m., folks are invited to look at their full auction offerings and place bids at event.gives/sharinghope.
“We’ve just been blown away by the community support,” said Laura Yanez, NAMI executive director.
She and her team try to raise $20,000 annually, but that’s been difficult during the pandemic. Yanez said that they’ve had to cancel their October gala for the last two years. Their goal is to raise $10,000 through the auction. Depending on how it goes, NAMI may even make it an annual event.
A large portion of the funding supports NAMI’s warmline. It’s distinct from a hotline – callers with mental illnesses call in to get day-to-day support from operators who have similar experiences.
In an interview in August, Yanez said that she’s seen a spike in warmline demand throughout the pandemic. In February 2020, they fielded approximately 200 calls monthly. By May, calls climbed up to 1,400.
The auction presents an opportunity for Carson City residents to support a free service that’s in demand.
Both the virtual event Saturday at 6 p.m. and the early bidding opportunities are accessible through event.gives/sharinghope. NAMI board member Cherylyn Rahr-Wood and Associate Warden John Henley will host the live stream, auctioning items and discussing mental health resources with viewers.
