The American Red Cross of Western New York’s annual “March Mission Madness Regional Online Auction” has opened with dozens items available to interested bidders.

Proceeds from the auction, which runs through March 30, support the work of the American Red Cross of WNY across its 27-county footprint. In the last fiscal year alone, Red Cross volunteers and staff:

¯ Responded to 881 disaster events in the region, assisting 1691 families in the process

¯ Provided 3,451 case services to military members and their families through the Services to the Armed Forces program

¯ Provided preparedness and health and safety training to 43,181 enrollees

¯ Hosted 5,752 blood drives that resulted in the collection of more than 122,000 units of life-saving blood products

Auction items, including a four-day RV adventure valued at $2,000, span a wide range of interests and include dining certificates, overnight stays, lake and river cruises, admissions and memberships related to the arts, home decor and collectibles, and sporting events and memorabilia.

Those interested in participating in the auction can text WNYAUCTION to 76278 to register and view items. For those without smart phones, registration and bidding can also be made by visiting wnyauction.givesmart.com.