3rd Annual Bear2Bear Benefit & Bash

Thank you for joining Ursinus College's 3rd Annual
Bear2Bear Benefit & Bash!

This annual fundraiser supports our Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economic well-being of so many families this past year. Because of this, the Fund has been utilized more than ever before. 

Our online auction opens Tuesday, April 13 at 12 p.m. EST and closes on Thursday, April 15 at 9 p.m. EST. Everyone is invited to participate and to follow along all day on April 15 when we will share videos, impact stories, auction updates and information about this year's honoree, Nancy (White) Opalack '71. Special live programming will be streamed on social media and on our auction website April 15 at 7 p.m. EST. Don't miss the musical performance by Tim Williams! 

Read more about Nancy (White) Opalack '71 and the Bear2Bear Student Emergency Fund in our digital program book, created by Ursinus student Jake Amendola-Reichard '24.

Quick Facts:

• Our auction opens Tuesday, April 13 at 12 p.m. EST and closes Thursday, April 15 at 9 p.m. EST.
• To bid, you must create a GiveSmart account (see instructions below).
• Bidding can take place on a computer or smartphone (see instructions below).
• Need help? Contact Jamie Karinch, associate director of college events & signature programs, at [email protected] or 610-409-3144.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I participate in the Bear2Bear auction? 

You first need to set up a GiveSmart account, which is easy to do. First, click the 'REGISTER NOW' button at the top of this page. Fill out all of the information (it is confidential) and then GiveSmart will assign you a username (feel free to change this to something you'll remember). Create a password, check the boxes for terms and conditions and text messages (you will want be notified about items you bid on), and then just click 'Create my GiveSmart account'! 

Can I view items before deciding if I want to bid?

Yes! Starting on Tuesday, April 13 at 12 p.m. EST, you will be able to click "items" at the top of this page and view our fabulous auction items before creating an account. 

Will you need my credit card information?

Yes, a credit card number will be required to bid. 

Do I have to use a phone to bid or can I participate using my computer?

You can participate in the auction from a computer, tablet or phone, it's up to you! After you sign in to your GiveSmart account, click "items" to view the auction and start bidding. You can filter these by category if you wish by clicking the 'categories' button. Click the item you'd like to bid on and enter your name on the left-hand side of the page. Then, enter your bid in the open text field (make sure it is higher than the current minimum amount) and click "Bid". If you have opted in to receive text messages, you will receive a text if you are outbid.  

I'm not very tech-savvy, will I have a hard time participating? 

We don't think so! The bidding software we use is very user-friendly and will walk you through the entire process. If you need help, though, please contact Jamie Karinch at [email protected] or 610-409-3144. 

If I win, how will I get my items?

If you win an item in the auction, someone from the Ursinus College advancement office will contact you to determine how you will receive your item(s). Some items will qualify to be emailed or mailed to your home, others will require you to schedule a pick up time. If you have a question, you can contact Jamie Karinch at [email protected] or 610-409-3144. 

What if I can't use my item because of COVID-19?

If your item is impacted by COVID-19 in a way that makes it unusable, you will be refunded the full amount of your purchase. Or, if applicable, we will work to provide replacement tickets for a mutually agreeable date when the crisis is over. If this happens, you need to let the advancement office know at [email protected]. 

Thank you to our sponsors! 

Presenting Sponsors

• The Abele Family Foundation and Will '61 and Joan Abele, Karen Scheu, Nina Stryker '78, P'19, and Ted Piotrowicz '05
• Rhoda Blumenthal Hershman '52
• Nancy (White) Opalack '71

Red Sponsor

• The Proud Family of Nancy (White) Opalack '71

Sycamore Sponsors

• President Brock Blomberg
• Pat Clark Bowman '73 and Tom Bowman
• Susan '85, P'21 and Matt '83, P'21 Callahan
• Hinkel Family Charitable Trust
• Dave Kovach '90, P'21
• Piotrowicz Family
• Christian '93 and Jennifer Sockel
• Sodexo Food Service
• Rob P'16 and Kristin P'16 Wonderling

Bear Supporters

• CALECO
• Terry Connell '72
• Cathy Geczik '84
• Carol '72 and Michael Heinsdorf
• Robert '70 and Marie Keehn
• Michael P'20 and Lynne P'20 Markman
• Jill '78, P'18 and Jim Marsteller
• Kelly '82 and James '81 Mobley
• Don '55 and Joan '57 Parlee
• Mark B. Schneider
• Nina '78, P'19 and Keith P'19 Stryker
• Ursinus College Gymnastics Alumnae
• Peg Williams '80