The Green Chair Project Raises Funds with a Unique Auction

A twist on the nonprofit’s name gave their Chairity fundraiser its centerpiece: bidding on chic upholstered chairs from area designers.
by Catherine Currin | photographs by Jillian Clark

Update: Due to COVID-19, this live event was rescheduled and turned into a virtual auction taking place the weekend of August 27. Click here to learn more.

On April 23, local interior designers will support The Green Chair Project (TGCP) during its 8th annual Chairity fundraiser. TGCP’s cofounder and Executive Director Jackie Craig says this event, which includes dinner plus a silent and live auction, is the nonprofit’s biggest event of the year. “We rely on Chairity to generate the funds needed to sustain our project throughout the year,” says Craig.

The centerpiece for the celebration is an auction of donated chairs reimagined by the designers. They volunteer their time and expertise to recover chairs that were in desperate need of TLC when selected. The results are unique and beautifully upholstered pieces made with fabric donated from A. Hoke Limited. No two chairs are ever alike—and only a couple are actually green, Craig says. “It’s a great opportunity for interior designers to give back to our community while using their creative design skills.”

While the night of the Chairity fundraiser typically sells out, anyone can bid on the chairs. Bidding begins ahead of time, and concludes the night of the event.

The Green Chair Project was founded a decade ago and works to provide donated household furnishings to families recovering from homelessness. The proceeds from these chairs, along with the entire evening’s proceeds, will support families with the most basic of furnishings. “We will serve over 1,200 families this year who are living in poverty,” says Craig. “These furnishings can provide the opportunity for families and their children to lead healthy lifestyles and meet their needs for a safe and healthy environment.” 

For more information on the chairs or on The Green Chair Project’s mission, visit thegreechair.org/auction.