JOHN McBRIDE

One of the most important fundraising endeavors for the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center returns Thursday with the launch of the online Cake Auction.

The Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center (D/SAOC) is a place that offers safety, support, and hope to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human traficking and other violent crimes.

All services within the shelter are free of charge. Every spring, staff and volunteers work together to auction off hundreds of items to raise as much money as they can.

Bidding begins at 10 a.m. Thursday morning. The auction will close on March 30 at 7 p.m.

Along with the auction, there will also be a $500 cash raffle. One ticket is $5 or five tickets for $20. Tickets for the raffle are available for purchase online.

There are also Easter Baskets that can be purchased instantly without bidding.

The website for the auction is https://cakeauction2026.givesmart.com.

“This is the biggest offset for our budget,” said D/SAOC program development director Leah Bair. “The money we get from the auction allows us to keep offering services. Besides the grants we receive, this is our biggest revenue source. It allows us to make sure all the victims we see get the help they need.”

D/SAOC serves men, women, and children in 20 mid-Iowa counties.

Bair said there are a few ways to reach out, if needed, and that everything is completely free and confidential.

Their toll-free number is 888-356-2005 or their office can be reached at 515-955-2273.

This year’s auction again includes donated packages from various individuals, groups and businesses.

“The community has been so great. They have donated so many great packages. We have a little something for everyone,” said Bair. “The biggest thing we want people to know about is we will be adding new items daily throughout the auction, so if you don’t see something you donated or something you want to bid on, it will eventually be posted.”

Since Covid, the cake auction has been held online. Bair said her staff has developed a system to make sure the online version is just as successful as the in-person one was and keeps D/SAOC’s overhead at a minimum.

Every item that people win includes items to make a cake, keeping the tradition of the Cake Auction going as well.

For those unable to bid on auction items but who would still like to help D/SAOC, there is a list of needs on their website at www.dsaoc.com.