Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction

Press Release

Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction will raise critical child abuse prevention dollars virtually this year; Bidding begins today, ends Wednesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 14, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

LANSING, Mich. – Child abuse and neglect prevention programs statewide will benefit from the 18^th annual Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event that is being held virtually this year due to COVID-19 and begins today.

The Michigan Children’s Trust Fund, serving as the state’s chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, facilitates, funds, and supports more than 100 child abuse prevention programs across all 83 counties. The prevention programs include training for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect and children’s personal safety lessons, as well as respite care, parenting support and education, home visiting and family support, among other programming.

The items that are available for bidding include a Detroit Entertainment Package including Detroit Tiger, Red Wings, Fox Theatre and Motor City Casino experiences; a week–long trip to Maui, Hawaii, and original art from Michigan artist Elizabeth Schwartz and the world-renowned Peter Max.

Registration is on the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction website.

This year’s virtual event includes the opening of the Silent Auction at 9 a.m. today, which remains open until 9 p.m., Wednesday. The highlight of the three-day event will be Wednesday from 7-8 p.m., when the presentation of premier items occurs along with the opportunity to virtually meet some of the individuals impacted by critical funding raised during this event previously.

Honorary chairs Sharif Hussein and Pascale Eid, long-time supporters of the Children’s Trust Fund mission, will lead the auction along with the legislative co-chairs – Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield and House Democratic Leader Christine Greig.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Children’s Trust Fund Board Chair Amy Tattrie Loepp have prepared opening messages.

The auction is the major fundraiser for the Children’s Trust Fund, which is within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It pays for services such as respite care, home visitations, child development support and other targeted services allowing local community programs around the state to continue to provide education and other prevention programs that are not funded by the state.

“The 18^th Annual Pam Posthumus Virtual Event is a celebration of the public and private sector working together to strengthen our families and protect our children across the great state of Michigan, said Suzanne Greenberg, director of the Children’s Trust Fund.

“MDHHS and the Children’s Trust Fund are committed to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I’d like to thank our donors, volunteers, staff and all those who attend. It is not too late to register. Please visit ctfauction.givesmart.com to sign up so you can Stand Up for Kids!”

The event is named in memory of Pam Posthumus, a tireless advocate for preventing child abuse. She was appointed to the Children’s Trust Fund Board of Directors in 1997 and became its chair in 2002.

During the event, the Children’s Trust Fund will share the presentation of the 2020 Champion for Children Award to Jackson for the life insurance company’s tireless support of Michigan’s children and the Children’s Trust Fund mission of preventing child abuse and neglect. Michigan artist April Wagner of Ann Arbor designed the awards.

Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1982, the Children’s Trust Fund is Michigan’s only statewide nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. For more information on Children’s Trust Fund efforts to end child abuse or to donate, visit michigan.gov/ctf.

The event is made possible by the generosity of the following sponsors: Akkad Holdings, Cinnaire, DTE Foundation, Jackson, M3 Group, The Louis, Lauren & Lana Foundation and many more.