Community Helping Hands is launching its first-ever "Make An Offer" art sale event, providing art enthusiasts and bargain hunters with a unique opportunity to bid on hundreds of donated artworks while supporting local charitable operations. The innovative sale format allows visitors to make their own offers on pieces that could potentially be worth far more than their purchase price.

The event will take place over two days: Friday, November 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will be held at Christ First United Methodist Church, located at 663 Lakeview Avenue, allowing visitors to focus solely on viewing the artwork without the distractions typically present at the Community Helping Hands facility.

Carol Hay, Community Helping Hands board president, explained that the organization decided to hold this concentrated sale after accumulating a substantial collection of art donations over the years. "We had been wishing to have a specific and concentrated sale, to provide the community with a more direct idea of offerings," Hay said. The large quantity of artwork donations led the organization to choose art as the focal point of this special fundraising event.

The preparation process has been extensive, with staff and volunteers dedicating hours nearly every day to sorting through boxes of donated art. The meticulous process involves sorting, cleaning, and organizing hundreds of individual pieces. Currently, the organization has prepared approximately 18 boxes and totes of artwork that have been cleaned and readied for the sale, which represents only about one-third of their total art inventory, according to Hay.

Hay noted that the organization has received tons of varying pieces of wall art over many years, much of which they lack the expertise or time to properly appraise. This uncertainty creates the exciting element of the event – buyers can make offers and take chances on pieces that could be worth significantly more than their purchase price. Many previous customers have recognized artwork or were familiar with specific artists from past items that passed through Community Helping Hands, suggesting that valuable pieces may be available.

The artwork collection includes a diverse range of items: paintings, photographs, craft items, and pieces that are "beyond description," as Hay put it. The sale will also feature countless empty picture frames, though Hay noted that customers often purchase entire paintings simply for their beautiful frames. Some frames are so attractive that they become the primary selling point of the piece.

During the event, board members and volunteers will circulate throughout the venue, ready to hear offers from customers, negotiate when necessary, and guide clients through this unique shopping experience. This interactive format creates a more personal and engaging atmosphere compared to traditional sales with fixed prices.

All proceeds from the Make An Offer event will go toward Community Helping Hands' operational costs, helping the organization continue its charitable work in the community while providing residents with an opportunity to find quality artwork at potentially great deals. For additional information about the event, interested individuals can contact the organization at (716) 487-1488.