FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is People Working Cooperatively?

Since 1975, PWC has been helping very low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans remain safe and healthy in their homes. How do they do this? PWC focuses on very basic living essentials – heat, running water, working toilets and necessary mobility modifications like installing accessible showers.

 

What is the Toolbelt Ball?

ToolBelt Ball is PWC’s largest and most important annual fundraiser. Each year our community comes together to support the mission of PWC and to make a direct impact on our clients in need of life changing accessibility modifications. This black-tie event includes a cocktail reception, art installation by local artists, auctions, raffles and entertainment.

 

Why is this year's Toolbelt Ball a virtual event?

Following guidelines mandated by the Governors of Ohio and Kentucky (limiting the number of attendees) and in an effort to keep our families and friends healthy, we chose to turn the ToolBelt Ball, into a virtual event. PWC’s mission is to keep people safe and healthy at home, and this year holding our gala as a virtual event allows us to keep our supporters #HomeSafeHome until we can gather together in support of PWC once again.

 

What do the proceeds from the Toolbelt Ball go toward?

Funds that are raised from the ToolBelt Ball go exclusively to our Modifications for Mobility program to help clients throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with home accessibility modifications such as ramps, barrier free showers, stair lifts and other modifications that help those living with disabilities safely navigate their home. Since 1998, PWC’s annual gala has raised more than $2,400,000 for its Modifications for Mobility program, impacting countless lives.

 

How do the Auctions work?

This year's ToolBelt Ball has two separate online auctions that can be found by clicking on the “Auction Hall” tab at the top of the website page. There is an amazing selection of items, such as travel packages, home furnishings, creative packages, vintage wines and bourbon baskets. All of the auctions have different and unique items, so be sure to register early and review all of the auction sites and items, as there is something for everyone!

 

Here are the specifics on how each auction works:

EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE (EBTH): Go to EBTH.com and register. EBTH is a unique auction house that has partnered with PWC to facilitate the major portion of our items, including rare finds, home décor, and collector’s items.

AUCTION OPENS Tuesday, June 23rd, at 2:00 AM, and remains open through Sunday, June 28th, at 7:00 PM.

 

PWC VIRTUAL AUCTION: Online bidding lets you bid on auction items from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Bid from any location with Internet access. Go to GreaterGiving.com to create your account or log in with your existing Greater Giving account you may have used for previous auctions or personal fundraising. This auction contains special bourbon baskets, travel packages, vintage wines, unique packages, local experiences and much, much more!

AUCTION OPENS Sunday, June 21st, at 6:00 PM, and remains open through Sunday, June 28th, at 8:00 PM.

 

What is “A Place to Call Home"?

A Place to Call Home is our juried art exhibit and auction that takes place each year at ToolBelt Ball. This year we are featuring original pieces from 6 local photographers throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. You’ll find iconic regional scenes and landscapes - some framed and some frameless printed on metal, all ready to hang and add to your home décor. Visit the PWC Virtual Auction to bid on your favorite piece!

 

What is the Wine & Bourbon Cork Pull?

For $30, you buy a cork pull, and for $80, you buy 3 cork pulls! Each cork pulled is numbered to correlate with a bottle of wine or bourbon with values ranging from $25 to over $100. Purchase your cork pull on our PWC Virtual Auction and you will select your corks on pickup day at PWC Headquarters.

 

Where do I pick-up my auction items if I am the winning bidder?

EBTH auction items can be picked up starting Monday, June 29th, at the EBTH warehouse located at 6000 Creek Road in Blue Ash. Call (888) 862-8750. Hours for pick-up are 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Saturday.

PWC Virtual Auction winners who need to pick up their items and those who purchased Wine & Bourbon cork pulls will be contacted by volunteers to set up a date and time to pick up from our PWC headquarters in Bond Hill.

 

What is the “Paddle Raiser"?

This is your opportunity to make a real difference in the life of family who needs our help! Proceeds from last year’s ToolBelt Ball Paddle Raiser impacted 62 families in addition to the life changing modifications made for our 2019 ToolBelt Ball family. This year’s proceeds will assist a very special family that you will learn about during our virtual “live stream” on Saturday, June 27th, at 7:00 PM. Every dollar raised during the event will continue to benefit the Modification for Mobility program throughout the year, so pre-register early to join in the fun and make a donation to truly change lives.

 

Are there ways other than a credit card to donate to the ToolBelt Ball?

Yes. If you would like to make a donation to our “Paddle Raiser” with a check, through your Donor Advised Fund, or a gift of stock, please call Chris Owens at 513-351-5118 before the Saturday, June 27th, Livestream virtual event.

 

Is there a limit to how much I can donate or how many items I can bid on?

No. PWC and our clients with a disability need your support now more than ever. The pandemic has had a much greater impact on the clients we serve, and PWC needs your involvement to make our event a success!

 

Can I host a ToolBelt Ball watch party?

We encourage anyone who wants to add some fun to host your own watch party! Invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers, but remember to follow safety guidelines from the CDC. Our virtual happy hour and live program on Saturday, June 27th, will be broadcasting to our event site, PWC Facebook page and PWC YouTube channel. If you are hosting a party, please call Randi at 513-351-5112, or e-mail her at kampr@pwchomerepairs.org, so we can send you some fun ToolBelt Ball swag. Make sure to hashtag photos from your party with #HomeSafeHome and #ToolBeltBall so we can share your fun on our social media channels, and possibly feature you on our post event website.

 

How do I follow PWC on Social Media?

Be sure to tag PWC in any posts you make about ToolBelt Ball and include the hashtags for this event: #ToolBeltBall and #HomeSafeHome.