Variety, the Children's Charity, raises funds for special needs children

Variety, the Children's Charity, held a Market and Auction event yesterday at the Westin Bayshore. 

The informal event continuously provides an opportunity to raise money for Variety's many initiatives to help kids who have special needs. The day unfolds with the perusing of silent auction items - all generously donated by organizations and individuals alike - a delicious brunch, the grocery component of the event, and a live auction. 

Buy-Low’s suppliers donated grocery items ranging from beef, poultry and fish, to produce and canned goods. The already low prices were marked-down throughout the course of the day, offering some outstanding deals, such as $5 for a four-pack of fresh chicken breasts and two flats of tomatoes for $1. With the intentions of only picking up a few items I left with $72 worth of groceries, in addition to the $800 that I spent in the silent and live auction. 

This year marked their 32^nd annual event; it received great response from the public with many newcomers and an impressive amount of "veterans" who have been attending since its inception.

Tickets for the event were $75 for non-Variety members and $70 for Variety members. Through ticket sales, balloon prizes, auction items, and groceries, Variety raises roughly $80,000 year after year. 

For more photos check out my Variety Market & Auction gallery on Flickr.