GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Quigley House needs your help to eliminate a $24,000 deficit created by COVID-19.

The Quigley House is Clay County’s only dual-certified domestic violence and sexual assault center and it raises a lot of its funds through two major fundraisers each year, including the annual Wine Tasting Gala in April that generates $24,000 in donations. The gala was canceled by the virus, creating a shortfall in the center’s budget.

“It’s the larger of our two major fundraisers, so to lose that money and that opportunity to raise funds for what we do, it really hurts,” Quigley House CEO Susan Atwell said.

Atwell said this money is used in a number of ways, like feeding people at the shelter, providing baby formula and more. The shelter is at capacity right now, so the money is needed now more than ever, she said. The money also helps provide the organization’s usual services to sexual assault and domestic violence survivors.

The Quigley House is holding a virtual auction titled “10 Days of Treasure” to help offset the loss of the wine gala’s cancelation. Dozens of items and basket packages were already donated to the Quigley House for the wine gala. Quigley House Development Director Crystal Moore said those items will not be auctioned.

There are 10 different baskets filled with items adding up to $300 to $750. Those wishing to participate can purchase a ticket for $100 and then assign their raffle ticket to any basket of their choice. Moore said there are only 200 tickets being sold meaning your chances of winning are enhanced.

Tickets can be purchased at www.quigleyhouse.org or by calling the Quigley House at (904) 284-0061.

To get the public more involved, pirate rubber ducks have been hidden around Clay County. People that find them are encouraged to post pictures of them holding the rubber ducks on social media using the hashtag #gotgold. Moore said sometime before June 1, which is when 10 Days of Treasure will begin, one of the rubber ducks will have a gold coin attached to it. Whoever finds that gold coin wins a free raffle ticket that can be used on any of basket raffles.

Some of the prizes in the basket include Universal Studios all-access packages. Atwell said that this virtual auction will basically eliminate the deficit left behind by the canceled wine gala.

“Just because the city, county, state, or country shuts down, does not mean that domestic violence and sexual assault stops,” Atwell said. “Unfortunately, this actually provides the perpetrator with more isolated time with their victims. The funds raised by the canceled event are still very much needed for services to continue to support survivors.”

If anyone needs help or shelter, Atwell encourages people to call the Quigley House’s 24/7 hotline at 904-284-0061.