Uncategorized

Family Building Blocks keeps auction lively with “Schitt’s Creek” theme

Family Building Blocks Executive Director Patrice Altenhofen dressed as Moira Rose for the 2021 “Uncorked Live” fundraiser (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

For the second year in a row, Family Building Blocks (FBB) held its popular fundraiser, Uncorked Live, virtually. To make it fun, they chose the theme “An Evening with the Roses” from the popular Netflix series Schitt’s Creek. The community had a week to bid on many items on an online auction that ranged from elaborate vacations to, of course, wine.

Executive Director Patrice Altenhofen said, “The 14th Annual Uncorked Live auction was a hit! We are thrilled to report the event raised nearly $360,000 to “Keep Children Safe and Families Together” in Marion and Polk counties. Uncorked Live has raised over $4 million since 2008.”

If you aren’t in the loop with the Roses, here’s the scoop: The wealthy Rose family, Johnny and actor-wife Moira, and their spoiled adult children, David and Alexis, suddenly lose their wealth. They leave their mansion and move to a motel in the small town of Schitt’s Creek. The series follows their adjustment to their new lifestyle, and hilarity ensues. In the end, the show is about a family who grows stronger together with the support of a supportive, loving community.

Small pods of people gathered to watch the program, complete with a costume contest, auction, and raffle, all coming to viewers from a virtual Rose Apothecary. Co-hosts Jim Clair and Johnna Wells dressed as Johnny and Moira Rose.

One in-home event was hosted by B.J. and Regan Donofrio for Magnum Sponsors, including Green Acres Landscape, GA@Home, Mike Riddle Construction, Jason Heinz, and Donofrio Dealerships. Rob Kansky, Vice President of Green Acres Landscape, sits on the FBB Board.

Along with the fundraising and virtual auction, guests were encouraged to upload pictures of themselves dressed as characters from “Schitt’s Creek.” Winners of the costume contest include Mark and Tiffany Bulgin, Chris Pineda, and Jeannie Schultz.

Family Building Blocks lives by the mission to “Keep Children Safe and Families Together.” The nonprofit works to prevent child abuse and neglect by working with families with young children (under the age of six) who have the greatest need for support. The nonprofit provides critical and voluntary services at no cost to some of the most vulnerable families in Marion and Polk counties.

To make financial donations: Family Building Blocks, 2425 Lancaster Dr. N.E., Salem, OR 97305

Donate online: www.familybuildingblocks.org/donate or text FBB to 91999. 

Rich and Amy Kansky, left, and Stacie and Rob Kansky attend Family Building Blocks’ 2021 “Uncorked Live” fundraiser (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Sponsors watch Family Building Blocks’ 2021 “Uncorked Live” fundraiser at the Donofrio home (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Angela and Jason Heinz attend Family Building Blocks’ 2021 “Uncorked Live” fundraiser (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Chris Pineda dressed as David Rose for Family Building Blocks’ 2021 “Uncorked Live” fundraiser (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Jeannie Schultz dressed as Moira Rose for the Family Building Blocks’ 2021 “Uncorked Live” fundraiser (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Mark and Tiffany Bulgin in costume for the Family Building Blocks’ 2021 “Uncorked Live” fundraiser (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing regularly for Salem Reporter. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook.

JUST THE FACTS, FOR SALEM – We report on your community with care and depth, fairness and accuracy. Get local news that matters to you. Subscribe to Salem Reporter starting at $5 a month. Click I want to subscribe!