> Auction Wrap Up
Auction Wrap Up
Executive Director, Jane Garibay explains, "There are so many worthy non-profit organizations in Windsor and serving the Windsor community. We set up a nominations process whereby the public can nominate 501(c)(3) organizations for participation." And it's no cake walk. To be a Windsor Chamber Cares beneficiary, the chosen organizations must sign a contract holding them to a certain level of participation. Organizations that are serious about participating can make a significant amount of money at the auction. This year two beneficiaries were chosen: Windsor Police Cadets and Windsor Education Foundation. Both organizations were well-represented on auction night with many of their board members attending. Community-minded citizens of Windsor began gathering at Maneely's Banquet Facility at 5:30 pm and socialized as they received their bidder numbers and signed up for the Heads and Tails game and Surprise Boxes. As they entered the Silent Auction room they enjoyed shrimp cocktail, chef-carved filet of beef and turkey and a variety of passed hot hors d'oeuvres as they perused the silent auction items. Items ranged from homemade pies to Easter baskets to electronics like the Amazon Kindle. Over 100 items were displayed in a festive atmosphere with Mardi Gras decor courtesy of committee member Joan O'Neil. After an hour or so of bidding, munching and networking, the silent auction tables began to close with a countdown for each section accented by colorful balloons. Once all the last minute bidding was done, the crowd sauntered over the live auction room to examine the 76 donated items valued from $200 - $5,000. Both beneficiaries were given a few minutes to speak to the attendees about their mission and before the live auction started, outgoing Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Elizabeth Feser, was honored by Garibay and President, Paul Vagnini for her nine years of dedicated service to the Windsor Public School system. Once the presentations were over, the auctioneers got the crowd moving by starting the Heads and Tails game. Each person who bought a 'blinkie' flashing pin got to stand up and put their hands on their head or 'tail' for the flip of a coin. Those who guessed correctly continued to play, those who guessed poorly were out of the game. The coin flipping and hand placing continued till only one person was left, winner Mary-Lynn Kinney won the Flat Screen TV and Sony Blu-Ray player donated by CBT. Once everyone's blood was pumping, the live auction began. Bidder cards were flying, items were whisked around the room by volunteer "Vanna"s, everyone had a fun time and lots of money was raised for the three non-profit organizations. Some of the most exciting items up for bid were the Apple iPad, an African Safari, Breakfast for two for the rest of the year at Dom's, and a Pier 1 Wine Bar with 14 bottles of wine. Everyone left happy. Make sure to put April 13, 2012 on your calendar for next year's auction! For more info, or to see photos of the auction, go to www.WindsorCC.org |
