Winona, MN — Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) is excited to announce a new addition to this year’s Bringing Light into Darkness Community Awareness Event — a Silent Auction taking place during the event on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The Silent Auction will be held in the Garden Room at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, 420 E. Sarnia St., Winona, MN, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Community members attending Bringing Light into Darkness will have the opportunity to bid on donated items, experiences, and unique offerings while supporting mental health awareness and HVMHC’s mission to provide compassionate, accessible mental health services throughout the region.
HVMHC is currently seeking donations from local businesses, organizations, and community members to help make the first-ever Bringing Light into Darkness Silent Auction a success. Donations may include gift baskets, local products or services, event tickets, experiences, handmade items, or other unique auction items.
“The Silent Auction is a new opportunity for our community to come together, have fun, and support the important work being done to promote mental health awareness,” said Ryan Buhler, Marketing & Communications Specialist at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center. “We are grateful for the generosity of our community and are excited to showcase the many wonderful businesses, organizations, and individuals who help make events like this possible.”
The Silent Auction will close during the intermission of the free Them Coulee Boys concert, which is the highlight of the Bringing Light into Darkness event. Winning bidders will be announced following the close of the auction.
Community members interested in donating auction items can drop off donations Monday through Friday at:
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
420 E. Sarnia St.
Winona, MN 55987
For donation questions, to arrange a drop-off, or to discuss an auction contribution, please contact:
Ryan Buhler
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
507-474-1822
ryanb@hvmhc.org
The Bringing Light into Darkness community awareness event is an annual event hosted by Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center to raise awareness about suicide prevention, mental health resources, and the importance of community connection. The 2026 event will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, bringing community members together for an evening of education, connection, and hope.
About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center is a nonprofit Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic serving individuals and families throughout southeastern Minnesota. HVMHC provides comprehensive mental health and substance use services with the goal of improving lives through accessible, compassionate care.