2017 Auction: Necklace top-seller at 3rd annual event

By Becky Fitzgerald on September 28, 2017

Two jewelry cases filled with gold, silver, rhinestones and turquoise were flowers to several bidding bees at Meadowlark Foundation’s 3rd annual auction of furniture and other household goods. The event took place Sept. 23 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

Resident ambassador Sue Hunt, who volunteered to keep an eye on the cases prior to the auction’s start, reported there were many requests to land on one piece in particular, a Navajo-made squash blossom necklace of turquoise and
silver.

“That necklace should be really shiny as many times as it was picked up and looked at,” Hunt said.

At about 10 a.m., 30 minutes after the auction’s start, auctioneer Vern Gannon announced the necklace as the next item for bidding, and fortunately for the Good Samaritan Fund, the buzz about the piece continued.

Dozens of raised hands and nodding heads later, a Manhattan woman was the new proud owner. Her winning bid? $1000!

Total event revenue topped $10,500! In addition to money received from sold furniture, etc., this amount also includes Auction Café proceeds and a gift to the Foundation to cover a donation to the church for use of their event space, After expenses, the Good Samaritan Fund will receive a boost of about $9000, besting the 2016 contribution by about $1200. The Fund benefits Meadowlark Hills residents in healthcare households who have exhausted their financial resources.

Other signs of progress were an increase in the number of bidders this year (108) and a decrease in expenses. Hy-Vee made and/or donated items for the Auction Café, so all money received from the sale of food and beverages will go to the Fund.

Many others contributed to the success of this event. Vern Gannon, his wife and one of their regular auction employees donated their time. Pat Callaghan of O’Callaghan’s What-Not Shop, donated his time and the use of his trailers. Community First National Bank advertised the auction on one of their marquees, and Diamond Real Estate Management donates the use of two 10 x 30 storage units.

Several residents, Passport members and community volunteers helped sort and place small auction items prior to the sale, and still more residents, staff, Passport members and family members assisted on auction day. They held auction items for the crowd to see, bid for people who couldn’t attend, sold Café items and carried purchased furniture out of the Utopia Room. Our volunteer colony totaled 35!

Thanks, also, to the many Meadowlarkians who donated items and/or attended the auction. Whether you ate at the café, raised a hand during the bidding and/or donated your time before, during or after, you all helped create a lively, enjoyable atmosphere to benefit a cause that’s dear to so many.

Please direct questions or suggestions to Becky Fitzgerald, Development Director, at 785-323-3843.