Tioga United Way announces annual spelling bee and auction

Tioga United Way is hosting their 3rd Annual Adult Spelling Bee, along with their Celebrity Adventure Auction in order to raise money and awareness for the 34 agencies that depend, in part, on Tioga United Way to fund their services and programs. 

The online auction features eleven celebrity adventures that are detailed below.

Jordan Patch of Animal Adventure Park joins United Way’s prestigious list of generous celebrities. The highest bidder will enjoy a very special lunch at Animal Adventure Park and on the private giraffe deck. Place your bid, and take a chance to win a dining experience with Jordan and April, Oliver, and Baby Tajiri!

Kim Weitsman, owner of The Krebs restaurant and Adam Weitsman, owner of Upstate Shredding, have offered to host a feast in their stunning home on Skaneateles Lake. The highest bidder, along with seven friends, will dine at the estate and enjoy a delectable meal prepared by The Krebs’ world-renowned chef.

New York State Senator Fred Akshar is returning to the Celebrity Adventure circuit and will have lunch with the highest bidder. Perhaps the students in a P.I.G. (Participation in Government) class would like to pool their pennies and enjoy lunch with Senator Akshar?

The highest bidder and seven of their favorite adult friends will enjoy a private tasting of the never-been-tasted before alcohol-infused ice cream at the Ice Cream Works onsite party room.  

Sip and sample different delicious artisanal wines from local farm winery, Glen Park Vineyards. As the highest bidder, enjoy a private tour and tasting along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres with the winemakers and up to seven of your friends. 

‘A Night on the Town’ is being auctioned off for six guests, and will start out with some locally brewed goodness at the Farmhouse Brewery, dinner at the Calaboose Grille, and will top the night off with a delightful dessert at The Cellar Restaurant. The highest bidder, along with five friends, will win gift certificates to each of these fantastic establishments and can enjoy them all in one evening or whenever they like! This package is valued at more than $150.

The Binghamton Philharmonic is welcoming a new conductor to join their ranks and celebrate the joy of music. The highest bidder will have the opportunity to sit down with the new conductor and enjoy a captivating lunch at a local hotspot.

Owego Rotary’s Interact Club, comprised of students, is volunteering their time and energy for spring-cleaning. Did you get all your raking done before winter? Do you need mulch to be spread? Bushes to be trimmed? This outstanding group of Owego Free Academy students will provide the highest bidder with four hours of outdoor yard work. Your house will be the best looking home on the block this spring! 

The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier develops intellectual, physical, and emotional well being through participatory exhibits and programs. The highest bidder will win a family membership for the year to this fun, engaging, hands-on activity center in Binghamton.  

Looking for a relaxing overnight stay in the hills of upstate New York? The Cozy Country Retreat Airbnb will rejuvenate your spirit and bring you peace of mind. The highest bidder will enjoy a one-night stay at this splendid, secluded home with a spectacular view of rolling hills and farmlands. Grab your special someone, enjoy a change of scenery, and feel good about yourself because your bid supports those in need.
Have you ever wanted to attend Tioga United Way’s biggest fundraiser of the year but couldn’t get tickets? Well, now’s your chance! The highest bidder will win two tickets for Dancing United with the Starz ’18. This year’s event is planned for Dec. 1, 2018 at Tioga Downs Casino and Resort.  

Online bidding is available now through March 23 at tiogaunitedway.com. Live bidding will then begin at the Spelling Bee planned for Saturday, March 24, at 7 p.m. at the Owego Elks Lodge. The winners will be announced at 9 p.m. that evening. 

Lockheed Martin and Literacy Volunteers of Broome and Tioga Counties sponsor the Spelling Bee, and there’s still time to register your team. Teams are two to six people and, not to worry, you only need to write the word on a piece of paper. 

All teams must register online at tiogaunitedway.com or by calling (607) 687-4028. To enter, each team contributes $100.  

For more information, contact Carolyn Palladino, executive director of Tioga United Way, by calling (607) 687-4028, or by email to tiogaunitedway@stny.rr.com.