For the second year, the Vermont Arts Council is holding an online auction called Doing Our pART for the Vermont Foodbank. Last year, the arts council raised $10,254 for the foodbank, providing over 27,000 meals to those in need - and this year the need is even greater.

Although it has been said that recession is fading, this commendable initiative comes at a time when families, and the donating artists, are still reeling from these difficult economic circumstances.

Over 100 items are up for bid on the auction website through December 4, 2009. Included are original pieces of art, dance lessons, tickets to shows, jewelry, and at least two private concerts.

This auction is an excellent example of our community coming together to help others, but I’m sure there are other philanthropic endeavors of which we are unaware.

Have any arts organizations or artists in your area teamed up to help the less fortunate? Do you have an alternative idea that has or could work for others?