Take a Seat fundraiser sold out, online auction still open

By Kendra Simpson

While the Noyes Home for Children’s Take a Seat event is sold out, St. Joseph residents can still support the nonprofit with its online auction.

“We were excited when people were really coming out in droves saying, ‘hey, we want to be part of your event,'” Noyes Home Executive Director Chelsea Howlett said. “(Thursday) we found out that we actually oversold our number. So we are at full capacity and excited to see what comes of the the fund and the need in the live auction.”

Take a Seat has been the home’s most significant fundraiser since its origin over a decade ago, named for the local artists who would decorate chairs for the auction. Every year the auction has been considered a success reaching hundreds of thousands of raised funds. This year, the Noyes Home is shooting for a “lofty” goal of $500,000.

“We have $200,000 in sponsorship, so we have a good, you know, advancement there,” Howlett said. “But it’s going to be a whole lot of people stepping up and pledging their support between now and the close of auction on Sunday. Maybe you don’t see anything in the auction that you’re interested in. You can still do a “Donate Now” option and help support us and our mission here at Noyes Home.”

The funds earned through the auction and event will go toward the home’s Field Trip Fridays. These field trips aim to educate and entertain the children by visiting locations such as Science City, the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium, Powell Gardens and more.

The Take a Seat event may be sold out, but people can still place bids virtually to support the nonprofit’s mission. The online silent auction includes items like a Mustang’s VIP package, a Room 108 dinner party for eight with Chef Jaylon Sybert, a year of flowers from Garden Gate Flowers and much more.

To participate in the auction or place a donation, visit the event’s website at my.onecause.com or text “takeaseat” to 44834.