High Hopes in Haute Couture
A volunteer-based organization, High Hopes Auxiliary, is helping the Lindner Center of HOPE raise funds in unique and creative ways. See how you and friends can support this important cause, enjoy a fun night out, and maybe even score a designer handbag in the process!
Imagine a world without a stigma attached to mental health issues, and where people who are dealing with them have a place to go to seek treatment and find hope in the future. That’s what The Lindner Center of HOPE aims to achieve, with assistance from its fundraising organization High Hopes Auxiliary.
Founded in 2008, High Hopes Auxiliary was established for be a voice that raises funds, awareness and provides support for The Lindner Center of HOPE, a local nonprofit, mental health center based in Mason. The Lindner Center offers the diagnosis and treatment of several mental health issues including mood disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, addictive disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. The center also provides residential services, hospitalization, office-based and outpatient services and research to children, adolescents, adults and seniors.
The Lindner Center of HOPE is dedicated to working together to offer the best hope for people who are living with a mental illness. “The patient and family are the center of our treatment, education and research,” according to the center’s website.
High Hopes Auxiliary President Ruthie Keefe says there are approximately 175 members of this volunteer-run organization that was started by Nancy Nyhart. “The inspiration for High Hopes Auxiliary was to provide financial support to various programs and needs at the Lindner Center of HOPE,” says Keefe.
Currently, High Hopes Auxiliary is dedicating its efforts to raising funds for bipolar research. All of the funds the organization raises goes to the Lindner Center of HOPE, which is done through various events.
For one, Keefe says High Hopes Auxiliary partnered with Second Story Auction for a unique fundraising opportunity. Second Story Auctions is an online auction company that helps individuals and organizations sell furniture, art, jewelry, collectibles and more.
From March 15 through March 22, High Hopes Auxiliary is hosting an online auction through Second Story Auction to benefit the Lindner Center of HOPE. Anyone can donate to the auction and drop-off items — such as fine jewelry, antiques, designer purses (new or gently used), sterling silver, quilts, leather or wooden furniture or crystal — to Second Story Auction at 11277 Williamson Road in Cincinnati on February 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and February 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To register to bid on items in the online auction, click here. Those who win items in the online bidding can pick up their item on Friday, March 25.
Sneak peeks of items that have been donated — such as designer handbags, original artwork, China and jewelry — are being posted frequently leading up to the online auction on the High Hopes Auxiliary Facebook page.
Another event Keefe is looking forward to is the High Hopes Luncheon, which has historically been the biggest fundraising event for the Lindner Center of HOPE. “Last year, we raised over $100,000,” she says. “That event has been moved to the event and will take place on Thursday, April 14 at the Manor House.”
Also coming up is A Night of High Hopes at Manor House in Mason, presented by CHEMED Foundation and TQL Foundation, which will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, meet and greet with Mark A. Frye, MD, from Mayo Clinic (VIP sponsors) and a dinner and program featuring American journalist Pete Earley.
You can learn more about High Hopes Auxiliary by clicking here or by following along on Facebook.
