Press Release: Bid or Buy Auction

PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
Contact: Rebecca Taylor, Director of Communications
321-456-7348 | rebeccaebtaylor@gmail.com

For ten years, the Outreach Committee of St. David’s by the Sea Episcopal Church has been guided by an ancient letter written to a first century church: “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right…whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all…” 

The group is committed to pouring every penny they make during their two yearly fundraisers back into the community, giving over $110,000 in the last three years alone. Their Goods and Services Auction takes place each November during which the church partners with local businesses to offer weekend packages, restaurant gift certificates, and special themed baskets made by members of the Outreach Committee. The actual event boasts raffle tickets and both a silent and live auction. Last year the group raised over $12,000 during the event which was given in-full to community partners.

Chair of the Outreach Committee, Ellie Yelle, explains, “When Covid hit, we knew our usual event would have to be adjusted, but cancelling was not an option. The community counts on us.”  

Determined to move forward, committee members have been arranging themed baskets which will be sold during this year’s “Bid or Buy Auction.” For three days in November, the baskets will be set up at St. David’s by the Sea so the public can place their bid or pay a “Buy Now” price. 

“We’ve worked for months to put together sixty baskets we think the community will love,” said committee member Jean LaPointe. Basket examples include Candles for All Occasions, The Thanksgiving Basket, and The Beach Basket. “This is just a little way we can work for the good of all.”

This year’s recipients are: Survive First Foundation in Cocoa Beach which is dedicated to providing mental health services for Covid-19 first responders and their families; Family Promise of Brevard whose mission is to end homelessness by providing resources for long-term stability and self-sufficiency; and the Central Brevard Sharing Center, an emergency assistance organization. 

“We’re so glad we found a way to continue the event in the midst of Covid,” said Jeanne Weaver, another Outreach Committee member.

St. David’s by the Sea Episcopal Church recently called a new Rector, The Rev. Porter C. Taylor, who started in August. “When I arrived, one of my first meetings was with Ellie Yelle, the Chair of the Outreach Committee, who presented to me plans for this adjusted event. For weeks I’ve watched from my office window as committee members have delivered basket after basket to the church. The work of this committee is one thing that really sets St. David’s apart, and while I can take no credit for it, I’m proud to be a champion of their work.”

“After months of preparation, we’re excited to see the outcome of this year’s auction. We encourage people to come, bring their friends, and bid on these baskets which have been put together with love for our community partners,” said Yelle. “They’re the reason we do this.”

While the Outreach Committee’s guiding verse is almost two thousand years old, it shows that some things never change. “The principles that were important to first century churches are still important to us now: loving your neighbor as yourself, extending love to the community around you, and giving generously of your time, talents, and treasure,” Father Taylor said. “And while we’re called to never grow weary, I, for one, think the Outreach Committee members probably deserve a little nap after all of their hard work.

Bid or Buy Auction at St. David’s by the Sea Episcopal Church (600 S. 4th Street, Cocoa Beach)
The event is open to the public. Masks are required and social distancing will be maintained. 

Friday, November 6 (3:00PM-6:00PM)
Saturday, November 7 (9:00AM-2:00PM)
Sunday, November 8 (1:00PM-3:00PM)

To view the baskets, you may visit the St. David’s by the Sea website: www.stdavidsbythesea.org. You may also learn more about St. David’s and participate in live-streamed services by following them on social media.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CocoaBeachEpiscopal/
Instagram: @stdavidsbythesea
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/stdavidsbythesea

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