Unity Park Auctions Tours, Artwork, Gift Baskets and More in Winter Fundraiser

Unity Park (2636 N. Kimball Ave.) wants to help you cross off those last few people on your holiday shopping list — or just get something nice for yourself. The Unity Park Advisory Council (UPAC) wraps up a virtual auction and raffle this weekend, a pandemic-year virtual replacement for the group’s annual winter fundraiser.

The U*Foria online silent auction and associated raffle run through noon on Saturday, Dec. 19, both featuring gifts from some of the neighborhood’s favorite local groups and businesses (including a few things from us!). Visit ww.32auctions.com/Uforia to bid in any of 20 items in the silent auction. To enter the raffle, just visit the advisory council’s website and make a donation of $5 or more – you’ll be automatically entered.

Auction items range from a tour hosted by Logan Square Preservation Association President Andrew Schneider to creations from local artists and photographers. Bidders more into gifts of the comestible variety may enjoy the Metropolis Coffee gift basket or the Revolution Brewpub (2323 N. Milwaukee Ave.) gift cards. Those entering the raffle have a shot at a toy and game pack for families, Lucha Libre in the Park T-shirts and a gift pack from us, including a LoganSquarist T-shirt, mug and sticker. See full lists of auction and raffle items below.

U*Foria replaces UPAC’s annual Winter Party for the Park fundraiser at WeeGee’s Lounge (3659 W. Armitage Ave.). Like the normal-times, in-person fundraiser, U*Foria will raise money to support Unity Park’s family-friendly projects and events. Even in the strange and challenging year of 2020, the park and advisory council have managed to host to-go versions of their annual Pumpkinfest and Art in the Park events. In previous years, you might have enjoyed a Midnight Circus or Yoga in the Park event or the annual summer Lucha Libre exhibition (celebrated in the aforementioned raffle prize).

“We’re thrilled that despite the current challenges, local businesses, individuals and organizations have stepped up and generously donated items/services so that we can raise funds to help us continue our mission of providing fun, FREE, family friendly events that are accessible to ALL in the commUNITY!” UPAC’s Robert Castillo, a member of the U*Foria planning team, said in a press release.

The park and council anticipate returning to more regularly scheduled events in the future. “Once it is safe to do so, I look forward to resuming our usual calendar of events and expanding our offerings to include new experiences, and even new spaces, for local families,” said Eric DeBellis, UPAC co-chair. “Any contribution folks can make to support these efforts goes a long way toward reclaiming our sense of community after a long year through this park we all share. With the help of donors and local partner organizations, 2021 is going to be a special year for Unity Park.”

UPAC is the volunteer-run official advisory council for Unity Park. The small neighborhood park started out life as a parking lot and celebrated its 30th anniversary three years ago.

Silent Auction Items

Tour the Square! Logan Square guided tour by author and historian Andrew Schneider.
Original artwork by Jane Michalski: “Small Bedrock Color II.”
Original artwork by Julie Sultzen, “Bloomingdale Trail in the Winter,” plus eight “Couch House in Winter” notecards by Julie Sultzen.
Set of five “Art Deco Hotels of Miami Beach” photographs by Robert Castillo.
Custom Piñata by Mosaico Arte Chicago.
Set of Ortlieb classic waterproof panniers from Boulevard Bikes.
Tree care by Betsy! Two hours of expert tree care and elm tree planting by Betsy Elsaesser.
An Avondale Adventure with Dan Pogorzelski (Avondale guided tour).
Logan Square Framers and Farmers Package: “LGNSQ: The Logan Square Book,” plus two Logan .Square Farmers Market tote bags and gift cards.
Original artwork (four pieces) by Steve Keene.
Original artwork by photographer Julie Dworkin.
Revolution Brewery gift cards donated by Liberty Bank (2392 N. Milwaukee Ave.).
Metropolis Coffee “Coffee Lovers” gift basket.
Two framed 16 x 20 botanical images.
Two original art pieces from Tristine Walker Imagery: “Ascend” & “StereoMind.”
Fellini’s “Des Femmes” movie poster framed, 47 inches x 63 inches.
Original artwork by Flash ABC.
Original artwork by Gilbert: “Love Art.”
Original artwork by Kim Wiater.
Untitled piece, artist unknown.
Original artwork by Tracy Kostenbader: “Untitled.”