About 215 items hit the online auction block Nov. 4-8, raising $7,800 for the Cornellians Aiding and Responding to Employees (CARE) Fund that benefits Cornell employees who experience an emergency that has a financial impact. The amount raised is almost double the total raised last year.

“Thanks go to all the Cornell departments, local businesses and individuals who donated items to the fund, to the many supporters who bid on those items, and to the Employee Assembly, who helped promote and generate momentum for it,” said Erin Kelly, assistant to the chair of the Department of Natural Resources. Kelly, along with committee members Beth McKinney and Ruth Merle-Doyle from the Cornell Wellness Program, organized the auction.

The CARE Fund offers one-time financial assistance to faculty and staff who have experienced a nonrecurring sudden or emergency-related financial hardship due to an unforeseen event.

“The beauty of the auction lies with Cornell employees giving to fellow employees,” said McKinney, adding, “Look for more opportunities to give, as the CARE fundraising committee has fundraising plans for the spring.”

To make a monetary donation or to apply for a CARE fund grant, visit the CARE fund website.