Fresh StART 2026
A celebration of creativity, home, and second chances
Friday, July 24, 2026
6:00 PM at the Art Academy of Milton
Fresh StART is DIG’s signature annual fundraiser, bringing our community together for an inspiring evening of art, storytelling, and generosity. Through upcycled pieces, meaningful experiences, and shared purpose, Fresh StART helps turn empty houses into homes for local families.
the art of home
At DIG, we believe home is more than four walls. Home is comfort, dignity, stability, and the chance to begin again.
Fresh StART celebrates that belief by combining creativity and compassion in one unforgettable evening. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and auction item won helps DIG provide gently used furniture to neighbors across our region who are rebuilding after crisis, hardship, or housing instability.
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Live Auction
A curated selection of exciting packages and select upcycled items will be featured during the event.
Online Auction
Beginning July 1, our online auction will open with featured upcycled furniture and other special items, giving supporters time to browse, bid, and plan ahead.
Food, Drinks, & Community
Fresh StART is designed to be welcoming, festive, and fun! Enjoy the unique space of the Art Academy of Milton, sample bites from Alee’s Cafe, and sip on local beverages (N/A available).
Mission Moments
Throughout the evening, guests will learn more about furniture poverty, the impact of DIG, and the families whose lives are made stable through a furnished home.
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Furniture is often one of the last needs addressed after a housing crisis, but it’s just as crucial as having a roof over your head.
A bed to sleep in. A dresser for children’s clothes. A table where a family can share a meal. These everyday items create the foundation for health, routine, rest, and dignity.
Fresh StART raises crucial funds to sustain and maintain DIG’s mission of making those essentials in-reach for families in Snyder, Union, and Northumberland counties.
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Dress to celebrate! Fresh StART is a festive, creative evening - feel free to have fun with your look. Shimmer is encouraged.
Adults-only event: To help create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, Fresh StART is for guests 18 and older. (Exceptions may be made for client families in attendance.)
Parking: Free street parking is available in the evening, with a municipal lot just one block away. Nearby neighborhood parking is also permitted for those who may need to leave vehicles overnight.
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online upcycled auction
from july 1-july 24, various pieces of upcycled furniture, home decor, and artwork from our community will be available to bid on online!
(local pick up only - no delivery)
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live auction
during the event on july 24, lori hess of hess auctioneers will lead the audience through a live auction of specially curated packages of unique experiences and items - perfect to enjoy immediately or save for that special occasion!
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+ more
enjoy spending time with new and old friends, a catered meal by alee’s cafe, live music by lowbeam, and much more!
thank you to our 2026 sponsors
The Art Academy of Milton has generously hosted Fresh StART for the past two years, helping offset costs behind our signature gala so that your dollars go directly towards furnishing homes in our community.
AAOM fills an important role in connecting hundreds of young people and adults to various artistic outlets, fostering creativity and belonging in our rural community.
DIG encourages our friends to also support the Art Academy of Milton so that they can continue to be a soft place for our neighbors to land and discover for many more years to come!
be an artist
One of the most loved parts of Fresh StART is our upcycled auction, where local artists transform donated items into one-of-a-kind pieces. All materials and time are donated by artists to raise funds for DIG through Fresh StART.
This year:
Large furniture pieces will be featured in our online auction beginning July 1
Smaller upcycled items may be featured in the live auction during the event
Final auction placement will be determined by DIG
All completed items are due back to DIG by June 15
Want to participate as an artist? Sign up by May 15!
be a sponsor
Sponsoring Fresh StART is a meaningful way to invest in creativity, community, and housing stability in our region. Sponsors help underwrite the event while demonstrating their commitment to neighbors in need.
Fill out the form to express your support in sponsoring this year’s important event. Sponsor commitments must be made by July 1 to be included on event materials.
Questions? Contact emily@digfb.org.