Curves, a women’s fitness center, located at 9811 Dixie Highway in Springfield Township, helped raise more than $2,500, which owner Carolyn Thiele in turn donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The money is intended for research and community outreach programs.
The Komen foundation, an international organization started in 1982 in memory of Susan Goodman Komen, is based in Dallas, Texas.
Thiele, who purchased the location in January, organized a silent auction in which members bid on both hand-made and store bought items other members donated, including quilted items, hand made cards, jewelry, and home d’cor.
‘It was really awesome to see the variety of things that came in and the talents of my members,? Thiele said.
‘It was a real blessing to see the generosity of the members,? she added.
The month-long effort, which featured more than 100 items up for bids as well as a separate collection, took in more than $1,500 and Curves International matched $1,000.
Thiele, a first-time auction organizer, said she kept the auction competitive by issuing numbers for bids, rather than displaying bidders? names.
‘They would come in and work out and then go see if anyone had overbid them,? Thiele said.
‘The bids just kept going up and up,? she added.
Thiele said the event was good for the group and everyone enjoyed helping out for a great cause.
‘Everyone had so much fun. I like to give back and so do my members, which is awesome,? she said.
Breast cancer awareness is relevant to the club because several members are either fighting or have dealt with breast cancer.
‘It’s touching our lives in the club, that made it more personal as well. We’re like a family here,? Thiele said.
‘We will definitely be doing this next year.?
For more information about the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, visit http://www.komen.org.