The two-week virtual bidding event drew enthusiastic participation, with 80 bidders placing a total of 327 bids on the artistically painted bears. Six bears sold through the Buy Now option for $10,000 each, available through the Thursday before the auction. Every bid helped turn these colorful community creations into meaningful support for local nonprofit organizations.

Part of the proceeds from each bear benefit a designated local nonprofit. The first $3,000 of the winning bid is split with the organizing nonprofit, Friends of Downtown Hendersonville, to sustain the event and support the overall Downtown Program. Any amount above the first $3,000 goes entirely to the designated nonprofit (in other words, a maximum of $1,500 per bear will go towards Friends of Downtown Hendersonville).

 Source: City of Hendersonville.