LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Sundance Auction - Something for Everyone |
Over the years, the Sundance Auction has become an exciting event all on its own. The Auction, which takes place on the first night of the Sundance weekend extravaganza, attracts a large and faithful crowd ready to bid on the vast assortment of available items. "Last year," says Auction co-chair Natalie Moss, "there were over 450 items, and we expect as much, if not more, for this year's event. From a few dollars to thousands, we've got something for everyone." For those who are unfamiliar with this popular event, the evening begins in a festive cocktail atmosphere, with a buffet provided by the Blue Moon Restaurant. Admission includes an open bar for the entire event. Most of the items auctioned are a part of the silent auction and involve simply writing your bid on a bid sheet. Bids must be increased by at least a dollar. At 9 p.m. the silent auction closes and the crowd gets ready for the live auction, which usually contains around twenty of the more expensive and exciting items. "It's the best part of the night," says another Sundance co-chair Sondra Arkin, "the crowd is loose and ready, and the tension mounts with each bid. The crowd goes wild when the bidding really starts to go up." For many years, auctioneer Ben Killebrew has kept the live auction rolling, but has recently decided to retire. "He's been such a part of the event," says Steve Elkins, "that it's a little hard to imagine it without him. I know he'll be there, however, cheering us all on to the highest possible bids. Also," he goes on to say, "we've got a great replacement. Chris Riss has been perfecting his auctioneering skills at the Blue Moon Bachelor Auction for years. I know he'll do a great job." Making Chris' job easier is a great line-up of items that include airline tickets, condos in South Beach, a full page ad for a year in Letters, a Mercedes bicycle from I. G. Burton, a portrait by artist Andrew Criss, a painting by artist and Rehoboth Beach City Commissioner Patti Shreeve, a kayak donated by Ward Ellinger and Allen Jarmon, a teak bench from Wooden Village Teak. and of course, Murray Archibald's 2001 Sundance painting transFORMation. Once again, Sundance Sponsor Abizak's is donating a fabulous room of furniture, including a gorgeous asymmetrical sofa, coffee table, end tables and lamps. "New items come in everyday," says CAMP Rehoboth's Kathy Weir. "It's exciting to see it all as it comes in, and to try and keep up with processing it all. Monica Parr and Emilie Paternoster arrived last week with boxes and boxes of tools and appliances from Black and Decker; there's a three foot corn husk flamingo from Wicker Village; but I think my personal favorite so far just might be the pink, fake fur poodle purse and muff, donated by Sandra Skidmore." The Sundance Auction is the first night of Sundance, Saturday, September 1, from 7-10 p.m. at the Rehoboth Convention Center. Tickets are $40 per night, or $60 for both the Auction and the Dance. Both events sell out quickly. "The Auction sells out first," Steve says, "because we don't sell quite as many tickets as we do for the dance. If it gets too crowded no one can get around to make their bids. So, get there early and plan to have a good time. There's no telling what you may get to take home with you." For information about the Sundance Auction or dance, to volunteer, donate items, or purchase tickets call the CAMP Rehoboth office at 302-227-5620. Tickets to both events are also available at Lambda Rising Rehoboth. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 11, No. 12, August 24, 2001. |