Gustavus has partnered with the United Way of St. Peter to hold its third annual online auction from Tuesday, April 20 to Friday, April 23. The event was planned with the help of the coed Alpha Pi Omega service fraternity.

The philanthropic organization of the United Way is not just a national organization; it helps give back to countries worldwide. The United Way started back in 1887 with various religious leaders in Denver, CO as an organization to help combat the welfare needs of the city. The organization began to spread across the country after its huge success in Denver. The National Football League became a partner with the United Way in 1973, and helped the United Way become the first public service organization to raise over a billion dollars annually. In 1974, United Way International was formed to help spread its wide success across the globe.

For the third time, the local United Way of St. Peter set up its online auction with the community of St. Peter and Gustavus. The auction itself is to help raise money for over 17 organizations the United Way sponsors. Included in these organizations are Big Partner Little Partner, Habitat for Humanity, Little Saints Preschool and the American Red Cross.

“I’m really glad to know that the money from this auction is going to help these groups expand,” Sophomore Biology Major Tom Ulsby said. “They’re an integral part of the Gustavus community and it’s exciting to watch more people get involved with the welfare of those who are in need.”

The United Way has been involved with Gustavus in many ways, along with this auction. The United Way works with the coed service based fraternity on campus, APO, or Alpha Pi Omega. “Students at Gustavus would be surprised how involved the United Way is at Gustavus. We help with many groups such as Big Partner Little Partner. Working with the United Way is giving everyone an opportunity to support the community of St. Peter,” Hannah Nordell, an intern with United Way, said.

The auction is open to the general public and to students and staff of Gustavus. The support has been very overwhelming from various professors and coaches on campus such as Warren Wunderlich, Bob Dunlap and Tommy Valentini. Items from various residents in the community and from the BookMark are on sale for auction. The items on sale range from tennis lessons to banana bread to Gustavus beach towels to a cookout with President Ohle. There are over 100 items up for bid, with many starting at reasonable prices.

“I think the items up for bid are fantastic. It shows the creativity of the Gustavus community by having things like a chance to hang out in the GAC Observatory, dog walking from Pound Pals and free entrance to all Gustavus athletics, along with the classics like baked goods and items from local businesses,” Sophomore Management Major Anna Swenson said.

There are quite a variety of items, both in terms of price and of [products]. I will probably bid on some of the cheaper items or things that would be good gifts for my parents’ birthdays [or] Mother’s and Father’s Day.”

“The various services give buyers an opportunity to partner and learn about with the diverse community,” Hannah Nordel said. Unlike other auctioning websites, credit cards aren’t the main form of payment. Anything won will be paid with cash or check and some items are even delivered once won.

High bidders will be contacted for delivery the week following the close of the auction.

The online auction runs through Friday, and the winners of items bid on will be notified soon after. Anyone interested in helping the United Way of St. Peter should contact Marie Jeremiason of United Way of St. Peter. To bid, visit gustavus.edu/groups/unitedway.