Main Street News

Making Valentine’s Day even sweeter: In Flight, Inc.’s Sweetheart Silent Auction offers lovely gifts & transformative community support

By Published On: January 31st, 2025

This Valentine’s Day, get your loved ones something truly sweet! Nonprofit organization In Flight, Inc., based in Red Hook, NY, is launching their Sweetheart Silent Auction and Give A Carnation initiative next week, and you won’t want to miss these events!

All about In Flight, Inc.

In 1993, what initially began as a Medicaid service coordination agency transformed into a group focused on programming for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities: thus, In Flight as we know it began. Since then, this organization has worked to meet the needs of the Hudson Valley community, gradually expanding their service area to now include Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, and Greene counties. 

As In Flight explains on their website, the group works “to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, [help them] reach for their hopes and dreams, and support a meaningful quality of life.” Their programming reflects this mission, incorporating communication, socialization, volunteerism, and employment skills “that form the building blocks to be as independent and financially sustainable as possible,” the organization points out.

All photos courtesy of In Flight, Inc.

As a founding member and equity partner of Hudson Valley Service Providers, LLC (HVSP), In Flight works tirelessly in the human services realm, boosting advocacy, collaboration, policies, and legislation. The group prioritizes developmental achievement and support in their programming and created the Success Academy for Independent Living as one such way to provide added support for those seeking more independence in their lives. 

Building upon skills from other programming, the Academy places emphasis on job retention while providing residential, pre-vocational, and supported employment programs. “This unique program addresses the barriers to living independently and financial sustainability, promoting additional steps toward independence,” In Flight describes.

Additionally, In Flight launched its own Care Coordination Organization, LifePlan CCO, LLC in 2018 and has partnered with numerous other groups in the area, including Operation Unite Education and Cultural Arts Center and Lagrangeville, NY, theater group Standing Room Only.

All in all, the organization’s efforts work toward a vision of the world “where everyone can strive for the best quality of life in a supportive and fulfilling environment,” and in the future, they plan to continue supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities by assessing individuals’ needs; developing new, innovative, and collaborative programming; and encouraging progress and togetherness. 

Now, you can support this incredible pursuit by participating in In Flight’s online Sweetheart Silent Auction!

Finding something sweet—and making an impact—this Valentine’s Day

From February 3rd to February 7th, In Flight will be hosting an online auction event with all sorts of wonderful Valentine’s Day gifts available to bid on. You’ll have tons of wonderful options to choose from, including date night packages, self-care sets, exciting activities, and more.

And the best part: your contribution through the auction will be helping this organization continue to flourish and offer essential pillars of support to the people who are supported by In Flight’s services and resources. All proceeds from the event will go directly toward In Flight’s programming. 

But the fun and opportunities for giving don’t stop there. With their Give A Carnation initiative, this organization will be gifting carnations, which were generously donated by Petals & Moss and Bella Fiori Floral Co., to individuals supported by In Flight! All you have to do is donate $5, and you can extend a thoughtful, special gesture to a member of your local community this Valentine’s Day.

As the event’s press release states, the effect of your involvement and donation will be truly far-reaching and impactful: “Funds raised will enhance vocational training, equipping individuals with job-specific skills and professional habits to achieve meaningful employment. Life skills development programs help participants build independence by mastering essential tasks such as budgeting, cooking, and personal care. Community integration initiatives foster inclusion, creating opportunities for individuals to actively engage and thrive within their local communities.”

Indeed, the importance of next week’s festivities truly cannot be understated. In Flight’s director of philanthropy and external affairs, Jill Rodriquez, explains, “The Sweetheart Auction is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. Every bid and donation helps empower independence and fosters inclusion within our community. We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating love and generosity this Valentine’s season by supporting the Sweetheart Auction. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.”

The Sweetheart Silent Auction will be online and run from February 3rd to February 7th. For more information and to stay updated about the event’s details, please follow In Flight, Inc. on Facebook, visit their website, and check out their Instagram!