Participants will be able to bid on items such as Philadelphia Phillies tickets; artwork; gift baskets; and experiences at local theaters, museums and restaurants as part of the second annual virtual silent auction being held by the Volunteer English Program (VEP) in Chester County. Bidding will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, and continue through 6 p.m. on Friday, April 4.

Those interested in bidding may find a link to the auction website at http://www.volunteerenglish.org and at http://www.facebook.com/VolunteerEng.

"On the auction website you can see the countdown to the day and see a sample of things that already have been posted," noted Terri Potrako, VEP executive director.

In addition to the items already mentioned, other features on the auction block include quilts; golf balls, a bag and apparel; a handcrafted crepe paper flower bouquet; antique cups and saucers; a beach house rental in Ocean City, N.J.; and a set of Chinese lacquer bowls and plates.

Registering is free, and once bidding begins, participants will be given updates. "Over the three days, if someone keeps bidding over you, you are notified," Potrako explained. "It gives you a chance to go back in and bid again."

She emphasized that the auction site is secure and that people can feel safe bidding on the items they are interested in. "You have complete control over your bidding," she stated. "No one knows who you are; it is a private virtual auction. We don't publish the winners."

Once the auction is concluded, arrangements will be made for the auction winners to receive their items. "You are contacted, and we follow up and make arrangements to deliver or mail the item or have you pick it up," Potrako noted. "If you are in the area, we coordinate and meet with you at a designated location or the VEP office."

She said that last year's virtual auction was a success, raising $10,000 for the organization. Proceeds will again be used to fund the VEP program, which provides English language tutoring to adult immigrants and refugees in Chester County.

"(Funds) go to general operations for the program," noted Potrako. "It provides us the ability to train volunteers and gives us the ability to support adult learners. With that (money), we can purchase online subscriptions that the adults need for learning."

The auction website also allows people to donate to the program. "If you are not interested in doing the bidding, there is an opportunity on the bidding site to make a donation," said Potrako. "That can be of any value, and it's all for the general fund."

VEP is always in need of volunteers willing to provide one-on-one tutoring for adults looking to improve their English language skills. Tutors also help students understand American culture.

Prospective tutors are invited to attend the next tutor training session, which will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, March 25; Thursday, March 27; and Monday, March 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. each evening.

According to Potrako, the tutor training workshop is designed to fully prepare volunteers to teach English to adult, non-native speakers. Prior teaching experience or fluency in a language other than English is not required.

For more information about the upcoming tutor training workshop and to register, visit www.volunteerenglish.org/tutors/tutor-training-workshop.

Those with questions about the auction or the training may call the VEP office at 610-918-8222 or email terri.potrako@volunteerenglish.org.