Jefferson Public Radio is inviting the Southern Oregon University community and others to participate in its first JPR Online Silent Auction, featuring a variety of getaway packages, wine bundles, one-of-a-kind items, fine dining certificates and more.

“JPR is grateful to everyone who has contributed and is participating in this new exciting venture,” said Sue Jaffe, one of the organizers for the auction. “Our ultimate goal is to raise $20,000 by Feb. 4. Thanks to the generosity and creativity of our local donors and community partners, we are offering hundreds of fun items to bid on.”

The JPR Virtual Online Auction opened Jan. 24 and runs through Feb. 4, with  almost $14,000 already raised. Supporters of SOU’s National Public Radio affiliate are encouraged to raise a glass or raise a bid, and help raise    funds to support the JPR programs they love.

More than 50 businesses and individuals – from The Websters knitting supplies to Rogue Creamery to the Mt. Ashland ski area – have donated items, services and opportunities that can be bid on in the silent, online auction. There are about a dozen prizes from wineries and breweries, and another dozen from restaurants.

Jefferson Public Radio, now one of the country’s largest regional public radio networks, began at SOU in 1969 with the station KSOR – which remains the network’s flagship. JPR is owned and operated by SOU and supported by the fundraising efforts of the JPR Foundation. It broadcasts to a potential audience of more than a million people in southern Oregon and northern California with its network of translators and stations.

JPR operates from its studios adjacent to the SOU Theater Building on the southwest edge of campus.