"Winning Hearts, Not Races" Auction Kick-Off
Last year our auction was a huge success. By the end of the evening we had raised in excess of $28,000 to support our rescue efforts. A huge part of that success was our very generous membership. We asked for help filling the auction tables with items to auction. They stepped up in droves and donated some wonderful, unique items for the auction. It helped to make our auction a cut above the ordinary.
Our 2011 auction is even more important to the hounds than last years. Earlier this year, the Florida legislature narrowly failed to pass a bill which would have removed the requirement that track operators maintain live greyhound racing if they wanted to operate slot machines, poker rooms, and gaming areas. Had this bill passed, we could have expected to see in excess of 6,000 racing greyhounds displaced, almost immediately, when tracks shut down live racing. This flood of hounds would overwhelm every greyhound rescue in the country. In the 2012 session we expect to see similar bill introduced, with a greater likelihood of passage. We have already begun to work with other rescue organizations across the country to prepare ourselves for the potential flood of hounds and plan for the orderly transfer from the tracks to rescues, including American Greyhound. But, to be truly prepared for such a massive amount of dogs in need of help, we must be likewise financially prepared. And that is where our auction comes into the picture.
Our auction committee has been hard a work since earlier in the spring preparing for this years auction which looks to be even bigger and better than last year. And they are are doing a fabulous job. But, now is where we need your help again to fill those auctions tables with fantastic, one-of-a-kind items like you did last year
What are we looking for? Use your imagination. There is almost nothing you can think of that won't make a successful auction item. Last years items were the unique, one-of-a-kind items you don't see every day. Things that set our auction apart from many that you may have attended in the past. Things that really stood out and made people take notice.
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| Jeanette |
Here are some ideas of items that sold well last year and would make a wonderful addition to this years auction:
- Artwork
- Handbags and purses
- Anything handmade
- Ski lift tickets
- Sports equipment
- Bed and Breakfast stays
- Tickets to sporting events
- Vacation stays/Timeshares
- Services (electrician, chimney cleaner,furnace inspection/cleaning, etc)
- Limo rides
- Books
- Sports memorabilia
- Jewelry, preferably handmade
- Collectable dolls
- Cultural events (plays, dinner theatre, etc)
- Tools
- Baskets (Liquor, wine, chocolates, coffee, etc)
- Small kitchen appliances
- Tour of local winery/brewery, etc
- gift certificates for lessons 9riding, tennis, golf, etc)
- Holiday themed items
- Hot air balloon rides
- Gift certificate from local photographer
- Antiques
- Trips
- Cottage/cabin use for a week/weekend
- Boat cruises
- Pet related items
- Guided fishing trips
- Hotel stays
- Admissions to amusement parks, water parks, etc
- Gift certificates to spas
- And the list goes on and on
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| Silver |
The list of potential auction items is only limited by your imaginations. If you have a question about whether or not an item would work, please don't hesitate to contact me at (219)771-0892 or email me. I would be happy to help you find some items that will make a difference in some not-yet-rescued greyhounds life.
