News

Bearfootin’ Bear auction raises record $145,700 for nonprofits

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 26, 2026

Downtown Hendersonville’s beloved Bearfootin’ Art Walk celebrated a historic milestone as the 24th annual Bearfootin’ Bear Auction raised a record $145,700 for local nonprofits, highlighting the generosity of the community and the powerful impact of art in supporting local causes.

The two-week virtual bidding event drew enthusiastic participation, with 80 bidders placing a total of 327 bids on the artistically painted bears. Six bears sold through the Buy Now option for $10,000 each, available through the Thursday before the auction. Every bid helped turn these colorful community creations into meaningful support for local nonprofit organizations.

Excitement filled Downtown Hendersonville during the auction’s final hour as community members gathered at the Historic Courthouse Plaza for a countdown celebration. Cowbells rang, cheers erupted, and supporters rallied behind their favorite bears as bids continued to climb toward the historic finish.

The record-setting success reflects the generosity of bidders, the creativity of participating artists, and the community spirit that makes Bearfootin’ such a cherished Hendersonville tradition. Proceeds from the auction benefit local nonprofits, helping support the organizations that strengthen and enrich the community. With $145,700 raised, this year’s auction marks an extraordinary achievement and another inspiring chapter in Bearfootin’s legacy of giving back.

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 2027 Bear? Applications for a 2027 bear are open through Sunday, Nov. 1. 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 ishttps://www.cognitoforms.com/cityofhendersonville4/_2027BearfootinArtWalkSponsorship