"The best thing about the Sundance Auction," says Sundance Auction co-chair Natalie Moss, "is that no matter your taste or the size of your wallet, we’ve got something for you." And Natalie should know, as she logs in each and every item as it is delivered to the CAMP Rehoboth office.

"We’ve got everything from t-shirts to art," she adds, "you can spend $25 or $5000, and all for a good cause."

"People are as generous this year as they have always been in the past," says Sundance Auction Team Captain Maggie Ottato. "It’s an easy call to make. I think that somehow people look forward to giving to Sundance every year, it’s a way to reconnect at the end of the summer. It’s funny," she says, "but people don’t sound irritated when I call about donations—they sound excited."

That excitement will spill out onto the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center floor on Saturday, September 4 when the doors open on the 2004 Sundance Auction. With almost 500 items in the silent auction and 20 in the live, it’s almost impossible to see everything. "But it’s fun to try," says Sundance Producer Steve Elkins, "and it’s always fun to watch people racing back and forth trying to bid on several items at once."

With a buffet provided by Joyce Felton and Chef Peter McMahon of the Blue Moon and an open bar under the expert guidance of Cloud 9 owner John Berdini, the auction sells out fast. "We don’t sell as many tickets to the auction as we do for the dance because there’s less space available because of all the items on display," Steve says, "so make your reservations now."

Big ticket items for this year’s auction include a hot tub from New Wave Spas, a Bowflex from Leisure Fitness, airline tickets and trips, dinner for 10 prepared in your home by Blue Moon chef Pete McMahon, art and furniture from Abizak’s and Nassau Gallery, and Murray Archibald’s 2004 Sundance painting, childsplay (act of love).

This year’s auction will also feature an elaborate Martini Ice Bar from sponsor Ketel One Vodka.

The second night of Sundance is the dance, with DJ Mark Thomas and lights by Paul Turner. Tickets for each night are $40 or $70 for both and are available at CAMP Rehoboth, Lambda Rising, or on the Sundance Website at www.sundancebenefit.com.