March Madness Charity Auction

In my book, we've just entered the "most wonderful time of the year." Yeah we're not even 3 months removed from the holidays, but I've got that Christmas carol in my head, because to me the NCAA Tournament and the excitement leading up to the tournament is my favorite time of year.

This year, UrbanFUTURE will be capitalizing on this excitement by hosting the UrbanFUTURE March Madness Charity Auction, an idea that came directly from one of UrbanFUTURE's tenured mentors, Patrick Nolan. This auction differs from most. Participants will bid on teams in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Some of the lower seeded teams will have items attached directly to them which may include local restaurant gift cards, sports memorabilia or spa packages. The top teams, however, will be competing for Performance Prizes valued at $250 or more. Teams that make the Sweet 16 are guaranteed a Performance Prize and the prize will improve the deeper the team goes in the tournament. Some of the Performance Prizes include a round of golf at Bellerive Country Club, box seats behind the Cardinal's dugout for a weekend game and 4 tickets to the Notre Dame - Michigan State football game this fall.

For all of the college basketball fans out there, this a great event to not only get swept up in the "madness" but also to support a great cause. All the proceeds of the event will go to help fund UrbanFUTURE Restoration programs like One On One INSPIRE Mentoring. The March Madness Charity Auction will be held at Highlands Brewing Company in Kirkwood on Tuesday, March 15th from 6 - 9pm. Admission is $25 in advance ($30 at the door), which includes draft beer and appetizers. You can register online or by calling Kathy Belt at (314)776-3434.

I hope you'll join me in celebrating a wonderful month and a great cause.

**UPDATE** The March Madness Charity Auction will be hosted by Frank Cusumano of KSDK and KFNS.