LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
From Brokeback to Barbra... |
...a big bang supernova Sundance Auction 2006
The Sundance Auction is important because it raises a tremendous amount of money for Sundance. It is also a lot of fun. "When I first talked about adding an auction to the Sundance event, everyone thought I was crazy," says Steve Elkins as he reminisces about the early days of Sundance. "In the beginning it was just a dance," he says, "and a long one at that. Back in the days when it was held at The Strand, we danced until dawn. We were a lot younger then," he adds with a smile. The addition of the auction to the Sundance line-up, along with a big boost in the number of major sponsors has been some of the reasons that Sundance has been able to make so much money over the years. "The support from this community has been phenomenal," Steve says, "and we expect it to be another great year." With a huge selection of auction itemsincluding art, furniture, jewelry, clothing, travel and fine diningSundance has something for every taste and price range. "That's the fun of it," says CAMP Rehoboth administrator Kathy Weir, "you can spend a little or a lot, and sometimes find a great bargain." One of the most exciting things being offered at this years auction is a 3' x 5' framed poster from Brokeback Mountain signed by Ang Lee and the entire cast. The poster, donated by Andrew Byrd of Manassas, Virginia, is accompanied by a smaller, framed piece that contains some actual film from the making of the movie. Byrd has also donated framed and signed photos from Queer As Folk. For many years Abizak's has been a major Sponsor and donor to Sundance and they are again this year. Their 2006 donation is a beautiful dining room table and chairs. Other items include: an area rug from Arizona Carpets; a hot tub from New Wave Spas; an RSVP Caribbean cruise that includes airline tickets from Allen Jarmon; a gorgeous pair of large silver candelabra from Wooden Indian; Murray Archibald's 2006 Sundance painting The Big Bang Supernova Popheart Rainbow; tickets to two Barbra Streisand concerts courtesy of Mark Gruber and Sheldon Lebowitz and Donald Swain; and 500 other items from the area's finest restaurants, stores, artists and crafters. "Sure, there is a lot of planning that goes into Sundance," says Glen Pruitt, "but it's the volunteers that make the magic happen. I know people who plan their vacations around Sundance, to be able to work in the Convention Center for days before the event. That's dedication. Without many hands (and hearts and voices), Sundance wouldn't be the wonderful event it is." Both nights of Sundance are possible because of the efforts of more than 150 volunteers. One of those volunteers, Maureen Keenan, says, "It's the big event of the summer for me. I love the Auction, but more so, look forward to seeing the transformation of the Convention Center into a magical place. Doing the same thing year after year and making it seems new is hard to do, but it's done and done very well. I think many continue to volunteer because when they do they are doing stuff not just standing around. The energy around this event is greatI wish we could bottle it." Fay Jacobs who, along with Ben Killebrew, will be taking center stage for the live auction portion of the evening is thrilled with all of it. "I get to help with the live auction," she says, "looking down from the stage and seeing 1000 people drinking, browsing, talking, bidding, having a blast...the energy is staggering!" "Because of all the auction items and space required to display them," says Steve Elkins "we don't sell as many tickets to the auction as we do to the dance, so it always sells out firstso don't wait until the last minute to buy them." Tickets for Sundance are $40 for each night or $70 for both, and are available at CAMP Rehoboth, at Lambda Rising Rehoboth, and on the Sundance Web site at sundancebenefit.com. The Sundance 2004; Sundance Mirrorball; signed Brokeback Mountain poster; Murray Archibald's Sundance painting, The Big Bang Supernova Popheart Rainbow. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 16, No. 12 August 25, 2006 |