Bestselling author Brenda Novak is gearing up for her 2011 charity auction for Diabetes research. It opens for bidding on May 1 and runs through May 31.
The Good Cause
All the funds from this auction go to the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami. Since I lost my mom to diabetes-related complications last year, this is a cause near to my heart. Last year, we helped Brenda raise over $300,000 for diabetes research. That brought the six-year cumulative total over $1 million. The good news: donations, like all charitable donations to registered charities, are tax-deductible.
Last year, I donated a three-chapter critique and line edit. The item was more successful than I ever would have imagined, and the young writer who won felt she’d gotten her money’s worth. She reported that she found my feedback extremely helpful. This year, I’m donating two items: a three-chapter crit and edit again, and a small one-chapter crit and edit.
The Good Resource
Brenda’s auction items are donated by crafters, rock stars, writers and corporations. They include cars and vacations, autographed memorabilia, jewelry, books, and a wide variety of you-name-it, both big-ticket and small.
The auction also includes many items of specific interest to writers. Lunch with a bestselling author. Critiques from authors, agents and editors. Classes and workshops, networking opportunities, website and promotional services. You can participate for a good cause and advance your own career at the same time, or at least receive some valuable feedback from a professional you might not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet.
How You Can Participate
Donate time, goods, or services. The auction is still accepting items. Writers, you can offer a signed copy of your book, a commercial item, a handmade craft or even something storebought. It gets you some visibility in front of a wide new audience.
Purchase goods or services. Signed books are usually not too expensive at auction, and they’re a great momento. Winning a critique or a lunch date from an editor or agent will put you on their radar, and will give you invaluable feedback for your manuscript.
Donate directly, without bidding. You can participate and show your support for diabetes research even if none of the items in the auction strike your fancy.
Follow this link if you’re interested in donating! Bids will open May 1st.
