Auction held raising money for Texas Biomedical Research Institute

SAN ANTONIO - A special auction was held Saturday, raising money for the Texas Biomedical Research Institute.

Here's something you may not know, scientists from the institute located on the West side helped pave the way for the very first COVID-19 vaccine.

In normal years, the Giving Forum holds a gala to raise money for infectious disease research.

But since we're in a pandemic they decided to hold a smaller event with this auction.

People could bid on everything from designer handbags and jewelry to oil paintings and furniture.

"The forum is so important to San Antonio and to the research institute because it provides seed grants to scientists that can do some research and then apply for a larger grant and continue their research on all kinds of things but especially focused on infectious diseases,” said Kristin Tips, Mission Park President.

And this is fitting.

During today's auction the Pfizer vaccine was offered to anyone who wanted one.