Hand UP for Women has touched hundreds of women’s lives, many of whom are participants, graduates and volunteers. The organization’s home is in Knox County. But the 501(c)(3) nonprofit reaches even further. Thanks to the power of social media, a Hawkins County woman stumbled upon Hand UP and what began as a quest to win her son a fisherman’s jersey has transformed into year after year support for an organization she previously knew nothing about.
Crystal Berryhill said, “It’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten for my son.” The “it” she’s referring to is an Ott DeFoe jersey. The pro fisherman may not be a household sports name like Peyton Manning, but he’s a Knoxville native who won the 2019 Bassmaster Classic with a total weigh-in of 49 pounds and 3 ounces. The experience of giving the jersey to her avid angler son on Christmas was priceless.
Ott DeFoe himself shared a Facebook post that highlighted the jersey set to be bid on at the Hand UP for Change Auction. She had never heard of Hand UP for Women. After all, she lives an hour north of Knoxville. But that social post led her, not only to the jersey, but to various items on the Hand UP for Change Auction. For the past few years she’s found gift baskets, spa items, cookware and unique food items.
“I’m not sure what brought me back, but if I was in a predicament like some of these women I would want someone there to help me,” Crystal said.
Though she said she lives paycheck to paycheck herself, the auction takes precedence in her budget yearly.
“It makes me feel good to bid on stuff there to help somebody and then re-gift it as a Christmas present and make somebody else happy,” Crystal shared.
Each year she views it as shopping local. The Walmart Distribution Center employee said, “I’m hoping to spend at least a couple hundred [dollars.] I’m not rich by no means.” Crystal finds a way to make this happen, because she cares about the greater East Tennessee community.
The Hand UP for Change Auction proceeds will directly help women learn about who God created them to be by providing a year-and-a-half long program that includes life management tools, career readiness, spiritual development classes, individual mentoring, and a real, life-long family. In turn, graduates invest back into Hand UP for Women by mentoring new participants, teaching classes, serving on the Board of Directors, promoting the program, and becoming donors.
The 2024 auction goal is to raise $15,000 for women in need. This year’s auction features gift cards and experiences. Options include a day at Neyland Stadium with exclusive access to areas ahead of the University of Texas, El Paso game, admission to Anakeesta, a trip to the Zoo, a night at the movies and additional options. Plus, there’s oodles of food options such as a Crumbl cookie gift card, a Connors Steak and Seafood gift card, a Water into Wine gift card, Litton’s Market and Restaurant gift card and more. Crystal is already eyeing her options.
The Hand UP for Change Auction begins shortly after midnight on Friday November 1 and will end around 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 10. Even if you are not interested in purchasing an item, you can also make a donation. To participate simply create an account or log in and begin bidding on items beginning on November 1.