July 25, 2005 (Baltimore, MD) - Trading Graces, an Online Auction to Benefit Social Ministry Organizations Moves into Implementation Phase
Lutheran Services in America (LSA) moves ahead with the implementation phase of the first annual Trading Graces Online Auction Event, scheduled for February 26 through March 8, 2006.
Trading Graces is an online auction event hosted on eBay to benefit Lutheran Social Ministry Organizations located across the nation. A National Preview Gallery is also scheduled to
run on the LSA website beginning in late August 2005. The Gallery will contain descriptions and photographs of items scheduled for sale.
The purpose of the auction is to increase donations for Lutheran Social Ministry Organizations and raise awareness regarding Lutheran identity. "Lutheran social ministry organizations
are one of the largest providers of health and human services. Last year LSA member organizations served 1 in 50 Americans and most people don't even know it," John Carter, Trading Graces
Online Auction Manager states. "To that end, Trading Graces brings us into a new era of fundraising, but also helps us raise awareness of Lutheran identity."
Lutheran Social Ministry Organizations will be seeking donations from their respective communities. All proceeds generated will go directly to each organization. Examples of items and
services that can be donated can include free lawn care services, hosting a cake decorating class, making a quilt, giving gift certificates to a restaurant, a free manicure, or hair cut.
Member organizations are currently registering by contacting Trading Graces Online Auction Event Manager, John Carter at 1-800-664-3848 or filling out a contact form online at http://www.lutheranservices.org/OtherEvents.asp
LSA, a not-for-profit organization, is an association of more than 300 independent Lutheran health and human service organizations that served 1 in 50 Americans last year across the U.S. and the Caribbean. Building on the
strengths of people and communities, Lutheran organizations address a wide range of needs, including those of the elderly, children and families, people with special needs, communities, prisoners, and people with disabilities.