An online auction to aid arts education at Coquitlam’s Place des Arts reached about 70% of its goal on the opening weekend.
The fundraiser for the programs at the Maillardville facility stood at 72.4% — or $7,244 — as of Monday morning, with more than 300 bids placed for prizes.
Executive director Joan McCauley said she’s hopeful the organization will surpass its $10,000 target.
Now in its fourth year and sponsored in part by The Tri-City News, the online auction seeks to:
• subsidize spots in classes for youth in financial need;
• fund the Coquitlam Youth Theatre tour;
• expand the artist-in- residence program;
• and pay for the second week of the spring break workshops.
Among the prizes on the virtual block are: two $500 gift cards for Coquitlam Centre mall; a V2V cruise to Victoria and back; a $500 VIA Rail travel credit; a half-day whale watching adventure; and a two-night stay at a Ucluelet resort.
“There is still time to place a bid or make a donation, which can be done through the auction website by clicking the Donate button at the top left corner of the page,” McCauley said.
To place a bid before the Nov. 2 deadline at 9 p.m., visit 32auctions.com/placedesarts.