Bearfootin’ Auction Brings In $140,800 to support Local Nonprofits
Bearfootin’ Auction Brings In $140,800 to support Local Nonprofits
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (October 27, 2025) - In a thrilling finale to a month-long virtual bidding frenzy, the 23rd Annual Bearfootin’ Bear Auction raised an impressive $140,800 for local nonprofits. This landmark achievement marks the fifth consecutive year the beloved community event has exceeded $100,000—and the highest total ever raised in its history.
Nine of the bears sold at the Buy Now option for $10,000, which was available through the Thursday leading up to the auction. A total of 70 bidders placed 196 bids throughout the auction period.
A countdown celebration was held at the Historic Courthouse Plaza in Downtown Hendersonville. Cowbells rang out, and the crowd cheered on their bears as bids came in during the exciting final hour of the auction.
"Since 2014, the Bearfootin’ Auction has raised over $979,000 to benefit local nonprofits and Downtown Hendersonville. This incredible achievement highlights the remarkable talent of our local artists and the generosity of our community," said Terrye Jacobs, event coordinator with the City of Hendersonville. "The auction not only supports important local nonprofits but also adds a unique charm to Hendersonville that visitors and residents enjoy every year on Main Street."
Part of the proceeds from each bear benefit a designated local nonprofit. The first $3,000 of the winning bid is split with the organizing nonprofit, Friends of Downtown Hendersonville, to sustain the event and support the overall Downtown Program. Any amount above the first $3,000 goes entirely to the designated nonprofit (in other words, a maximum of $1,500 per bear will go towards Friends of Downtown Hendersonville).
Interested in Sponsoring a 2026 Bear? Applications for a 2026 bear will be open through Sunday, November 2. Bear sponsorship applications will be accepted for one week in order to allow for complete applications to be submitted. If there are more than 20 applicants, sponsors will be accepted by random lottery. The bear sponsorship application link is https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfHendersonville4/_2026BearfootinArtWalkSponsorship