A breast cancer awareness ribbon is shown. (Stock photo by MaxPixels)

MARQUETTE — The Superior Health Foundation, along with Manistique Area Schools, invites Upper Peninsula residents to actively participate in an online silent auction to benefit the Superior Health Foundation’s Breast Health Fund.

The silent auction is part of Painting the Peninsula Pink, a month-long SHF event to raise funds for the breast health fund. MBank in Manistique is the presenting sponsor.

The silent auction began at noon Thursday and will continue through 5 p.m. Oct. 25. To see the list of silent auction items and to give a charitable gift to support the fund, visit https://one.bidpal.net/shfpink2020/welcome

The silent auction is in lead up to the Pink Party, scheduled for Oct. 22 at Manistique High School. That evening, the varsity girls’ volleyball team will wear long-sleeved pink jerseys when they host the Gladstone Braves.

The silent auction will be entirely online. There will be more than a dozen items for bid, ranging from comfort baskets to a truckload of gravel delivered to your location. In addition, each one of the 12 varsity girls’ volleyball pink jerseys will be up for auction, with a minimum bid of $75.

“With COVID-19 and the pandemic, we elected to do a majority of our fundraising online using a giving platform that we have previously used,” Jim LaJoie, executive director of the Superior Health Foundation, said in a news release. “Individuals can bid and monitor the activity right from their smartphones or computers. We are so incredibly thankful for the support of Amy Nixon, the Emeralds varsity girls’ volleyball coach, and other parents and businesses in Schoolcraft County that have gathered prizes for the silent auction.

“And, the pink jerseys have been a big hit during silent auctions in past pink events. We are elated to partner with Manistique Area Schools to raise money for a fund that has provided charitable support to dozens of people in the U.P. to help with out-of-pocket breast health expenses.”

Sara Giles of Manistique sits on the SHF Board of Directors and is a member of the SHF Special Events Committee. She is also the marketing director at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. She said Schoolcraft County has embraced the fundraising effort with many businesses purchasing day sponsorships and/or donating many prizes.

“Manistique has participated in ‘Pink’ volleyball games in the past to create awareness for breast cancer. It’s no surprise that we’ve seen a tremendous amount of support from area businesses and community members for Painting the Peninsula Pink,’ Giles said in the release. “We have hometown spirit, which can be seen through the level of participation thus far. The Superior Health Foundation supports the entire Upper Peninsula but local events have a huge impact on getting these vital services into the hands of those battling breast cancer.

“Here in Manistique, we have benefited greatly from SHF grants and have built expanded access to behavioral health services at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. I encourage other nonprofit health agencies to explore grant opportunities with Superior Health Foundation to better the health of our community.”

Manistique Area Schools also benefit from the partnership, officials said in the release. At the conclusion of Painting the Peninsula Pink, SHF will award Manistique Area Schools with 20% of net profits from day sponsors it secured and merchandise sold during the month.

“It’s a win-win for all of us,” LaJoie said. “We really enjoy seeing young people across the peninsula get energized and help with fundraising efforts. Many people have been touched by breast cancer in their lives, including youth. We are excited about the Pink Party.”

To purchase pink t-shirts, black/pink masks or give a charitable gift to support the U.P.-wide fund, visit https://superiorhealthfoundation.org/events/paint-the-peninsula-pink/