SPARK! 2025: An Online Bridge Auction Supporting Youth Programs

Bridge fans across North America are getting ready for SPARK! 2025, a one-of-a-kind online auction that raises funds for youth bridge initiatives. Organized by long-time player and digital strategist Tracy Bower, the event supports programs through the ACBL Educational Foundation and has become an important fundraiser for the future of bridge.

This year’s auction runs from June 1 to July 14, 2025, with a highlight celebrity bridge event taking place Monday, July 21 at 7 PM EST, just before the Summer Nationals.

What is SPARK!?

SPARK! is a grassroots fundraising effort designed to give bridge players a fun way to support junior bridge development. More than 100 professional players and teachers donate their time to the auction, offering participants the chance to bid on online games or entry into a celebrity event. Funds raised go toward school bridge clubs, collegiate competitions, mentorship programs, teaching resources, and travel grants for youth players.

The official SPARK website can be found here
🔗 https://bridgeunleashed.com/spark-2025

How the Auction Works

There are two types of items up for bid:

• Celebrity Event Seats – Bid to play 20 boards one-on-one with a top bridge pro in a lively online tournament.
  • Top 40 Bidders are placed in Group A, which is recorded and includes expert commentary and post-game analysis.
  • Group B includes all other participants and is just as fun, featuring a large field of generous pros and fans.
  • For $500, you can skip the auction and grab a “Golden Ticket” to play in Group A with your own partner.
  • For just $50 per pair, anyone can join Group B with their regular partner.
• Online Games – Win the chance to schedule an 18-board private game with a pro, played on your platform of choice (BBO, RealBridge, etc.).

Kibitzing passes for the Group A event are also available for just $10, giving you access to the live stream with commentary by Bronia Jenkins, Barry Rigal, and others.

Why It Matters

SPARK! 2025 helps fund a wide range of youth bridge programs:

• School and Youth Clubs – Initiatives like BridgeWhiz, Jump Start Bridge, and school club partnerships introduce thousands of young people to the game.
• College Support – Collegiate bridge clubs, scholarships, and travel to major events like the Bridge Bowl and FISU Mind Games.
• Mentorship – Programs that pair experienced players with new learners, including peer mentorship and support for teachers.
• Technology Projects – Continued development of tools like the TrickyBridge app and the BridgeWhiz teaching platform.
• Direct Grants – Financial support for clubs and schools across North America, from YMCA partnerships to senior center collaborations.

Funds also help young players travel to national and international competitions. All players receiving travel stipends give back through teaching and volunteering in their communities.

How to Join

• Visit the auction site: https://www.32auctions.com/spark2025
• Browse by name using the menu icon (“hamburger menu”) on the left.
• Use proxy bids if you can’t be online for the final hours.
• Ask questions using the live chat
• Follow Bridge Unleashed on social media for updates and reminders.

Final Notes

Tracy Bower and her team have built SPARK! into one of the most fun and community-focused events in the bridge world. Whether you want to play with a legend, bid on a lesson, or just watch from the sidelines, every bit of support counts.

Bidding is open until July 14 — don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of bridge.

🧩 Watch the intro YouTube video and learn more

📣 Share the link with your bridge friends. Let’s bring new players into the game and keep the table full for generations to come.