Press release, www.esto-site.org , September 10, 2021

- The Estonian American National Council (EANC) will host ESTO-RAISER, a 10-day virtual auction for the benefit of Estonian houses* and Estonian community-held facilities in the United States.

The event will run from Thursday, September 16 to Sunday, September 26, 2021, and includes a virtual cultural gathering on Saturday, September 25, featuring performances and presentations from known and upcoming artists, experts and guests.

 

Estonian-American comedian Andy Valvur will serve as host for the evening, guiding us through the final stretch of the auction and introducing a wide variety of programming created to highlight the various Estonian houses and facilities and Estonian culture, with the help of numerous talented artists and guest speakers.

 

ESTO-RAISER aims to delight with a variety of auction finds and rich event programming, raising awareness of Estonia, the Estonian-American community network, and EANC, as it does its part in helping engage the next generations of Estonian Americans.

The ESTO|RAISER auction offers a selection of 80+ items for bid: collectables; memorabilia; works of art, handiwork and craftsmanship; services and classes online and in person; Estonian delicacies; one-of-a-kind experiences in the U.S. and Estonia, and more.

 

Amazing deals and fun finds in all price ranges and for all ages.

 

Bid on sauna experiences, tickets to opening night of “Singing Revolution: The Musical”; a night of performance by the loved Esto band Puus Brothers, exquisite art, textiles, vacation escapes, Estonian cultural treasurers, beautiful Estonian handiwork, even the use of a Tesla in Tallinn!

 

Community members and the Council body have been generous and creative in their contributions put to auction.

 

The auction is a fresh way to introduce your non-Estonian friends to all things Estonian and discover some fun trivia for yourself!

 

Free drawings for Estonia related prizes every day – share the links with family and friends, they will thank you!  

ESTO-RAISER cultural programming (9/25) will offer a day of virtual open houses to showcase Estonian community facilities and grounds, and a fun evening showcase with a variety of presentations, surprise greetings, musical and dance performances, Q & A sessions, and more to introduce exciting auction finds and contributing artists, traditions and long-time community treasures.

Artists and performers whose contributions or works are included at auction or scheduled in the program include numerous well-known traditional Estonian painters and artists; ballet principal Tiit Helimets, Tõnu Kaljuste’s Tallinn Chamber Choir, folk duo Valev Laube and Charles Rauh, choreographer-dancer Diina Tamm, dancer Jose Amor Christiansen, performer, vocalist and screenwriter Kristi Roosmaa, Broadway veteran Tony Spinosa, choreographer Märt Agu with dance troupe Kingpooled and Ladvaubinad, Heli Raidma and Liivi Sharpe, artist Markus Puskar, Kristiana Pärn, Estonian theatre group Appi, Ooper!, the music duo Kadri Laube and Marju Varblane, Estonian Folk Music Camp Ensemble Pillilaagri,the folk duo Väliharf, the folkdance group Põhjanael, actor Peeter Kaljumäe, and more.

 

The program will continually be updated throughout the auction period.

As we celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the restoration of Estonian independence, the Council continues to hold true to our mission of helping support the Estonian American community, working to help preserve, promote and foster Estonian culture in the United States, to support the continued independence, security and stability of a democratic Estonia and to create increased awareness of Estonia and strengthened ties between Estonia and the United States.

 

The nationally-elected Estonian American National Council is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, funded by donations from the Estonian American community.   

“It is estimated that over 28,000 individuals of Estonian descent live in the United States, spanning all 50 states and various demographic groups.

 

Preserving and promoting the remarkable achievements of this small group is what this ESTO-RAISER is all about.“

 

Leelo Linask,
Executive Director  
  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.estosite.org

 

* Background: These permanent hubs of Estonian activity are widely known as Estonian houses and Estonian grounds, and through the decades have offered Estonians in the U.S. refuge, aid, culture and community through good times and bad. As community centers, they hold value not only as permanent structures and adopted homes but as cradles of culture where friends and family gather, where great ideas are born and implemented, where heritage is passed on, and where the Estonian  spirit is home.