Sharon Schappacher (right), a board member of the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, helps secure many of the unique silent auction items for the agency’s annual Women Can/Women Do-Emmet County fundraising luncheon to be held at Bay Harbor Yacht Club-Lange Center Wednesday, September 11.  Pictured with Schappacher is William Santos, owner of Monarch Garden & Floral Design and one of the more than 50 table designers that volunteer their time and talent at the event.

Imagine standing atop the Mackinac Bridge, 552 feet above the water!  A Mackinac Bridge tour is an amazing chance of a lifetime and will be a featured silent auction item during the Women Can/Women Do fundraising luncheon held in Petoskey on Wednesday, September 11, at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club-Lange Center.

The luncheon is a major fundraiser for the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) with proceeds from the event supporting their many programs and services for women, children and families in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties.  The silent auction portion of the event has always been generously supported by the local business community through the donation of diverse and interesting items, according to WRCNNM Assistant Director, Deb Smith.

This year, the WRCNM’s auction committee has secured one of only a handful of Mackinac Bridge tour certificates awarded annually to non-profit organizations in Michigan.  The winning bidder will receive a certificate good for two people to gain special access to one of the Mackinac Bridge towers, offering them a unique experience and spectacular view.  A trip to the top of the bridge is considered to be a rare and priceless opportunity because it is not available to the general public except through a non-profit fundraiser.

In addition to the bridge tour, a variety of auction items will be featured during the Women Can/Women Do luncheon such as four tickets to a home Pistons game, roundtrip air for two via Lakeshore Express, two Kohler single-control stainless steel lavatory faucets, 18-holes of golf for four at Petoskey-Bay View Country Club, a Mackinac Island trip and tour, wines, Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars, yoga, health and fitness, salon services and many other items.

The luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club—Lange Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.  Seats are a minimum donation of $150 per person.  Those unable to attend the luncheon may place a bid on the Mackinac Bridge tour in advance of the luncheon by calling the WRCNM administrative office at (231) 347-0067.