Search no more for holiday gifts, gatherings and creative opportunities to live generously by supporting Cook County youth with this annual fundraiser! 

The WISE (Women’s Initiative for Service & Education) annual online auction is here. It will begin taking bids at 12 a.m. Nov. 15 and run until 10 p.m. Nov. 23. 

Preview and bid on items here: https://app.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/wise-auction-2025-44345

All proceeds go to student scholarships, local nonprofits, and classroom grants. 

This annual project raises thousands of dollars each year to enhance learning and classroom experiences at schools throughout Cook County. 

So limber up your clicking finger! WISE online auction is your reliably satisfying, economical go-to site that solves two problems: Your need for conveniently and economically purchasing charming and useful gifts, and your commitment to supporting learning in Cook County. It also satisfies your friend-of-the-Earth impulse by minimizing new purchases and transport costs to Grand Marais through repurposing and re-homing gently-used, pre-owned items with years of beauty and useful life left in them.

Beginning at 12 a.m. Nov. 15, go online https://app.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/wise-auction-2025-44345 to look for:

• handmade clothing

• indoor/outdoor holiday decorations

• homemade foods, baked goods 

• wines

• outdoor gear and trainings

• gift certificates to local stores, restaurants

• coupons for lodging

• unique services

• surprising, charming and rare finds
  
  

Cash donations to support WISE’s mission are most welcome, and can be made here: https://www.wisenorth.org/donate. 

Thank you for supporting WISE, and helping us support youth, families and education in Cook County by bidding on auction items.

Please share this auction link on your social media: https://app.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/wise-auction-2025-44345 

And be sure to join the bidding fun at 12 a.m. Saturday November 15th until 10 p.m. Sunday Nov. 23rd.

Pickup your purchases downtown the week of Monday Nov. 24th  at Coldwell Banker offices in Grand Marais, or have them mailed. If maied, WISE will bill you for shipping costs.

​For more information, contact Ann Mershon, [email protected]