Clars Auctions Partners with KQED to Turn Treasured Valuables into Support for Local Public Media

New charitable giving initiative invites donors to contribute antiques, fine art, jewelry and collectibles to help sustain KQED’s missio

OAKLAND, CA, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Clars Auctions, a leading Bay Area auction house, is partnering with KQED, the PBS and NPR member station serving Northern California, to offer a unique way for individuals and families to support public media by donating valuable possessions through auction.

Through the KQED initiative, individuals may donate antiques, fine art, jewelry and other valuables with Clars Auctions to support KQED’s mission. Eligible items are evaluated by Clars specialists and, with the donor’s approval, consigned for auction. Once an item sells, the net proceeds, after the auction fee (10%), are directed to KQED as a charitable cash gift.

The collaboration offers collectors, art enthusiasts and individuals with meaningful family heirlooms an opportunity to transform treasured possessions into important support for public Media.

“KQED plays an important role in keeping our communities informed, inspired and connected,” said Rick Unruh, CEO & President of Clars Auctions. “We’re pleased to partner with KQED to help people turn the value of their antiques, fine art, jewelry and other collectibles into meaningful support for local public media. It’s a wonderful way to give exceptional objects a new chapter while contributing to a mission that serves our community.”

As a nonprofit, community-supported public media organization, KQED relies on contributions from individuals and other supporters to help sustain its essential journalism, television, radio and educational programming. Gifts made through the Clars Auctions partnership provide another avenue for donors to invest in the public media services their communities value.

“Every contribution helps KQED continue serving our community through trusted journalism, engaging programs and educational resources,” said Lynne Slattery, KQED’s Vice President of Philanthropy. “This partnership with Clars Auctions gives supporters another meaningful way to make a difference by donating items they own and care about.”

How the Program Works
The donation process is designed to be straightforward:

• Request a valuation: Complete the interest form on KQED’s website to connect with a Clars Auctions specialist.
• Receive an auction estimate: Clars evaluates the item and explains its potential auction value and the appropriate sale process.
• Approve the consignment: Donors decide whether to proceed after reviewing the valuation and proposed auction process.
• Support KQED: Once the item sells, the net proceeds, less Clars Auctions’ fee, are donated to KQED. Donors receive a charitable gift acknowledgment from KQED.

The program welcomes a range of property, including antiques, fine art, jewelry, and other collectible items. Items must have a minimum estimated value of $400 each to participate.

By connecting Clars Auctions’ expertise in the auction market with KQED’s public service mission, the partnership creates a distinctive opportunity to turn personal collections and inherited treasures into community support.

Learn More and Participate
Individuals interested in donating valuables can learn more about the program and request a valuation at: www.kqed.org/support/donate-valuables

For questions about the program, contact KQED’s Signal Society team at 415-553-2222, or signalsociety@kqed.org Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

About Clars Auctions
Clars Auctions is a Bay Area auction house specializing in the evaluation and sale of fine art, antiques, jewelry, Asian works of art and other collectible property. Through its partnership with KQED, Clars helps donors convert eligible valuables into charitable contributions that support public media.

About KQED
KQED is a nonprofit public media organization serving Northern California with journalism, television, radio, digital content and educational resources. Supported by community contributions, grants and other funding sources, KQED works to inform, inspire and involve the communities it serves.

Talesa Eugenio
Clars Auctions
+1 510-428-0100 ext. 123

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