Rock out for the kids at United Way of Weld County's Auction Graffiti event

PROMISES FOR CHILDREN BENEFITS THE CHILDREN OF WELD COUNTY

Most people agree that every child in Weld County deserves to succeed. That's the mission of Promises for Children, the community partnership that's dedicated to improving the well-being of all children in Weld County. This partnership focuses on the critical growth period from pre-birth to 5 years old.

The good news is, thanks to Promises for Children and the programs offered by its community partners, the quality of early childhood development is improving. While you may not be involved with the programs or organizations providing this vital support to our community, there is something you can do to help. I promise, it's going to be a really fun 1950s and '60s rockin' time.

YOU CAN HELP BY ATTENDING THE AUCTION GRAFFITI AND SILENT, LIVE, ONLINE AUCTION

On April 19, you're invited to have a great time while you support United Way of Weld County's Promises for Children. It's the annual Auction Graffiti event with silent, live and online auctions at the Greeley Family FunPlex. The dancing starts at 4:30 p.m. with DaBoogieman from KOOL105. The silent and live auctions promise lots of fun and excitement, with dozens and dozens of terrific items, all donated by local businesses and individuals who believe in what the United Way is doing to help make Weld County a better place to live.

It's only $20 per person to attend this event, but be sure to bring your wallet. There's bound to be something on this year's list of auction items that you can't live without. New to the event this year is the addition of an online auction, which went live today. Place your bids by checking out the Web site at www.unitedway-weld.org and clicking on the Auction Graffiti link. Some of the online auction items can be bid on even through the day of the event.

Here are just a few of the items you'll be tempted to bid on:

» Autographed Todd Helton bat

» 18-inch 6.5-7.5 cultured freshwater pearl necklace (white)

» Broncos and Rockies tickets

» Colorado Eagles pro hockey championship team-autographed jersey

» DaBoogieman-autographed "American Graffiti" movie DVD

» Hot air balloon ride for two

» Celestron telescope and reference books

» Lodge Casino Black Hawk Hotel room and $50 gift certificate

» Date night a month for a year from Texas Roadhouse

» Lots of gift certificates and gift baskets, plus a helicopter ride and even a trip to Cancun, Mexico

To buy your tickets to this great community event, go to www.unitedway-weld.org and click on the Auction Graffiti link. The Greeley FunPlex is located at 1501 Leisure Lane in Greeley. Parking will be free.

So on April 19, throw on your poodle skirt, slick back your hair, jump in your '57 Chevy or just come as you are to support United Way of Weld County's Promises for Children Auction Graffiti event. You can also call (970) 353-4300 for more information. I hope to see you there!

Promises for Children Promise No. 1

We promise to help improve the well-being of every child in Weld County.

Debbie Pilch is the co-chair of this year's auction and serves on the coordinating council for Promises for Children. She works for North Range Behavioral Health.