Three seniors from East High School in West Chester have organized a silent auction fundraiser Thursday, Dec. 16, to benefit Home of the Sparrow in Exton.

Home of the Sparrow provides support for single women and mothers who are in danger of losing their homes in Chester County.

It offers housing services and creates a long-term safety net as well as access to crucial resources and trauma-informed support.

The auction takes place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 450 Ellis Lane in West Chester.

It is a project of DECA, a business club at the school that’s part of a larger nonprofit student organization.

DECA prepares emerging student leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

East High seniors Alaina Newton, Grace Treon, and Nikita Gandhi are members of the East High School chapter of DECA, which competes every year at the DECA state conference.  

 “This year, we are competing in a category called Project Management Community Awareness. We are using the project management skills we have learned to organize this project and spread awareness about Home of the Sparrow’s mission,” said Newton.

The auction features a variety of local service and product items for the entire family.

Auction items include Flyers and 76ers tickets, a Zack Wheeler signed ball, Nutribullet + workout classes, a $1,000 smile certificate toward braces or clear aligners, tickets to Center City ice skating, a “ton of iconic West Chester restaurants and so much more!”

Those who attend the auction will be treated to a performance from the band Three Mile Island, pictures with Santa, kid’s craft tables, and cookies.

Newton said they discovered Home of the Sparrow last year and learned about the amazing organization’s programs being offered to women and children in Chester County.  

“Especially with the effects of COVID on our community we wanted to find a way to help out and give back,” Newton said.

A previous contactless donation drive at the school for Home of the Sparrow netted 1,500 donated items and $2,000 in monetary donations. 

“This year we were so excited to work again with Home of the Sparrow and take advantage of the flexible social distancing guidelines that allowed us to hold an inside event,” Newton said.

 The silent auction involves the community, giving them a chance to support and learn about Home of the Sparrow, “not only by having families and friends come out to the event to socialize and bid but by working with local businesses to raise donated items to auction off,” Newton said.

Everyone is invited. There are no admission fees or tickets needed, just a checkbook and the family.

Guests can enter through the Auditorium doors on the right side of the building and there will be signs guiding you to the auction.

To find out more, visit the West Chester Area School District Facebook page or email Alaina Newton directly: 22newtona@student.wcasd.net.

Find out more about Home of the Sparrow.