In Brief: Photographer's Wedding-Themed Charitable Auction to Support MS

Local photographer Todd Schaffer will open his studio today in the hope that community members will open their wallets to support multiple sclerosis.

A charitable silent auction will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. today at , with all proceeds benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society. These proceeds will be added to funds already raised through Schaffer's nonprofit, Portraits for a Cure.

Portraits for a Cure raises money for charities through session fees for photography. Last year, the organization raised more than $500 for MS and $1,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year, Schaffer will donate 75 percent of his August session fees to MS.

"I was thinking of a way to combine photography with charity and I was thinking, 'What better way than to donate a portion of the session fees to the charity?'" Schaffer said. "That is why I came up with Portraits for a Cure."

His efforts were also influenced by his personal connection to the autoimmune disease through his wife, who was diagnosed with MS several years ago.

As for how much money he expects to raise through the auction, Schaffer said he really can't say, but hopes the event will be able to contribute at least a few thousand dollars. 

"It's going to a great cause and it’s an opportunity to get great deals on incredible gifts," he said. "The gifts that we have, there are three main gifts valued at around $2,500 a piece, and then a lot of little ones. There are great gift opportunities and 100 percent of it is going to MS."

This year’s silent auction theme is “weddings,” with some $9,000 in gifts donated by local bridal vendors and businesses.

Tickets are $10 at the door, and 100 percent of proceeds (tickets and auction) benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Silent auction items include:

Refine, PLLC

• Nine sessions of LipoLaser

Pytell Varchetti, P.C.

• Will and estate planning package

Todd Schaffer Photography

• Gold wedding photography package

Rainbow International - Restoration & Cleaning

• Entire house carpet cleaning

Nicole Michael's Bridal and Formal

• $100-off gift certificate for any wedding dress more than $500
• Bridal embroidered jacket valued at $50

Curves

• Three 1-month free memberships

Christine's Cakes and Pastries

•   Two coupons for $50 off any wedding or bridal shower cake

Lisa Renee Salon

• Airbrush tanning session
• Two $25-off gift certificates for a bridal hair session
• One $25-off gift certificate for pedicure and manicure session