Above / For roughly 250 years, the old “Hobson Oak” tree stood along Hobson Road near the intersection at Greene Road. After the landmark tree was carefully cut down in November 2016, local artisans used pieces of the bur oak tree to handcraft artwork. “Hobson Oak” pieces will be featured in the auction at the Loaves & Fishes Night to End Hunger Gala on Aug. 25.
UPDATE, Aug. 21, 2018 / Items up for bid in the Silent Auction and Live Auction are now posted online. New items will be added daily.
Bidders need not be present at the Night to End Hunger Gala on Aug. 25 to participate in mobile bidding for the Silent Auction.
Live Auction items are not available through mobile bidding. To request representation at the gala for Live Auction items, or for any other questions, please contact Michelle Iskowitz at miskowitz@loaves-fishes.org.
UPDATE, Aug. 14, 2018 / Looking for sneak peak of live auction items that will be up for bid at the annual Night to End Hunger on Sat., Aug. 25?
Here goes… In addition to nine stunning items that have been handcrafted by artisans from the historic Hobson Oak, folks can bid on (1) Under the Tuscan Sun – A Week’s Stay in Historic Cortona, Italy for 4; (2) Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience Weekend for Two (October 18 – 20, 2018); and (3) a chance for two to judge the 2nd Annual Naperville Chef Showdown on April 17, 2019.
All silent auction items soon will be posted online for bidding by folks who might not be available to attend the annual Night to End Hunger. Look for the listing after August 18, 2018.
A limited number of tickets for the dinner gala at Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook remain available. Simply find info to Register here.
What’s more, attendees can purchase premium dinner wines now. Limited quantities available at LFCS2018.givesmart.com.
Original Post, Aug. 4, 2018 / Loaves & Fishes Community Services and the Naperville Parks Foundation have partnered to auction limited artisan pieces created from the majestic Hobson Oak that stood as near Hobson and Greene Roads for nearly 250 years. The auction will take place at Loaves & Fishes Night to End Hunger event on August 25, 2018 at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook.
The legendary bur oak has become a piece of Naperville and DuPage County history, with roots tracing back to before the American Revolution, and shading Native Americans and settlers. The landmark tree was carefully taken down in November 2016 with a promise to maintain its legacy through the Naperville Parks Foundation.
Several artists have obtained pieces of the Hobson Oak tree to create woodcrafts which will be available for bidding both at the Night to End Hunger event and simultaneously via the auction’s online bidding platform beginning 8-18-18. The link will be made available at www.loaves-fishes.org/events/night-to-end-hunger/hobson-oak-auction-items/, where more information can be obtained about the artists and the Hobson Oak ‘pieces.
Ten saplings from historic Hobson Oak will be featured in auction
In addition, ten Hobson Oak saplings will be available in the auction. Over the last two years The Morton Arboretum successfully germinated and nurtured the seedlings that grew from the oak’s acorns collected by volunteers.
“We have been taken aback by how much this tree meant to Naperville residents and the incredible stories that have been shared,” said Troy Cooper, President of the Naperville Parks Foundation. “The outpouring of interest and willingness to volunteer with this project is a true testament to what an amazing community we live in.”
“Loaves & Fishes considers it an honor and privilege to partner with The Naperville Parks Foundation to offer exquisite artisan works handcrafted from the magnificent Hobson Oak,” said Mike Havala, President & CEO of Loaves & Fishes Community Services.
Memorable ‘Hobson Oak’ will benefit Loaves & Fishes, Naperville Parks Foundation & Morton Arboretum
All proceeds from the auction of Hobson Oak pieces will be split between Loaves & Fishes and the Naperville Parks Foundation. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised from the seedlings benefits The Morton Arboretum.
For more information, visit www.loaves-fishes.org and www.hobsonoak.com.
Story and photos of artist’s creations submitted by Michelle Iskowitz, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, Loaves and Fishes Community Services.
