Charitable Auction Reaches New Audiences

Every two years, the Community Chest hosts a festive auction evening where friends and neighbors gather to socialize, dine and bid on many extraordinary items and services. This year, an online auction of more than 100 items was added to the fun so that more people could participate for three weeks prior to the gala event.

Most of the auction items - online, silent or live - were generously donated by residents and local businesses, helping to make the event a financial success. There were exotic vacations, fine art by local artists, prime sports and entertainment tickets, spa treatments and many unique house and garden services.

The April 1st gala evening had a "Wheel of Philanthropy" theme complete with a game-show style spinning wheel where prizes were won. Participants enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while bidding on dozens of silent auction items. Ultimately, a four-course dinner was served and the live auction got underway with auctioneer Douglas Stinson at the helm. By the end of the evening, more than $130,000 was raised for local human service programs and other initiatives that receive funding through the Chest's annual campaign and new field of interest funds.

Photo credit Bonnie Baker Photography.