This past spring, over 100 local businesses contributed to an online fundraiser organized by Emily and Sarah Dahlgren of non-profit ‘A Bradford Christmas’, for the Out of the Cold Café to help residents displaced by the devastating Bradford apartment fire on Holland Street this past March.
In total, their Mother’s Day silent auction raised $4,872.59 for the cafe which helps the homeless community. They have also been aiding those displaced by the devastating Bradford apartment fire in March.
“There were over 100 amazing local businesses that donated to the Mother’s Day Silent Auction,” shares Emily. “Everyone, from restaurants to home businesses; it was truly another wonderful community effort!”
The Dahlgren sisters are well-known in the community for the success of their huge fundraiser last year that raised over $50K for the Helping Hand Food Bank’s holiday hamper program. Building on that success, the girls decided to host an online silent auction this year to help the victims of the Bradford apartment fire on Holland Street.
“We were so thrilled to accept small and large donations from local businesses - especially because of the challenging year they have had,” said Sarah. “At a time when they were perhaps financially unsure of the future due to COVID restrictions, business owners, once again, stepped up for the community”.
The silent auction ran from April 12-19 with a variety of items, many homemade, including jewelery, bath salts, and bath bombs, home décor and clothing, baked goods, food baskets, and gift certificates.
“Each donation was just as important as the next because it all led to raising $4,872.59 for the residents of the fire on Holland Street,” said Emily.
“For a silent auction to be successful, it takes a perfect trifecta recipe: local businesses + community members + someone to host the silent auction,” said Emily. “Whether you supported the silent auction by being a generous sponsor or a bidder - your continued encouragement really means so much to us!"
The sisters have decided to take the rest of the summer off and enjoy time with their family while both work at new summer jobs. They are in the process of registering A Bradford Christmas as a foundation and recently launched their official website, designed by local company Addictive Design.
“A Bradford Christmas is incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the Mother's Day Silent Auction," said Sarah.
