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13th Annual Hunger and Homelessness Auction Raises Money and Awareness for Hunger and Homelessness in New Haven

T-shirts sold at the November 17 Hunger and Homelessness Auction. The proceeds from this year's auction, put on by the School of Medicine, the School of Public Health, the School of Nursing and the Yale Physician Associate Program, will be donated to local non-profit organizations which work to alleviate hunger and homelessness in the New Haven community.

The 13th Annual Hunger and Homelessness Auction was held on November 17 in Harkness Auditorium. A crowd of students and faculty bid against each other on the extensive list of items and services donated by local businesses, faculty, students, staff, and alumni.

The auction, and a week-long series of events, is organized each year by students in Yale's health professional schools (the School of Public Health, the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing and the Yale Physician Associate Program). The proceeds from this year's auction, which will exceed $30,000, will be donated to the following local non-profit organizations, which work to alleviate hunger and homelessness in New Haven: Community Health Care Van, Youth Continuum, Yale Student Free Clinic, Liberty Community Services, DESK, Christian Community Action, and Leadership Development Project (a division of Columbus House).

The week preceding the auction included first-year students vs. second-year students Medical School flag football game, t-shirt sales, a hunger and homelessness dinner panel, a silent auction, and a candlelight vigil. The candlelight vigil was organized by School of Public Health students Zoe Harris, Erica Jackson, David Stuckler, and Medical School student Justin Chen. 1,300 candles were lit to represent the 1,300 homeless people in the New Haven community. Individuals affected by hunger and homelessness shared their personal stories.

“Sharing information and knowledge about the community in which we live and study, can subtly but powerfully affect people’s perceptions, attitudes, and actions in positive ways. This is part of the goal of the annual Hunger and Homelessness Auction events,” said Nick Torsiello, Auction Co-Chair and second year M.P.H. student.

Items auctioned included, among other things, stays in vacation homes in London and the Berkshires, a variety of music and sporting lessons, homemade foods and meals, and a variety of items such as one of Dr. Bill Stewart’s bowties, a palm pilot, and a framed print from the Fry Print collection.

“The Hunger and Homelessness Auction is also quite important as it brings many students and faculty together in a fun and welcoming atmosphere where a win-win situation really exists,” said Torsiello. “All graduates, professionals, and undergraduates are invited to bid on items and services of value to them, ultimately contributing funds that will help community members and organizations. By involving ourselves with the auction, EPH students in particular, are addressing population health and safety needs by helping to improve access to food, shelter, and important services.”

—Story by Marcie Foley