Another Successful MLA Annual Auction for 2004

       The Annual MLA Auction to benefit the Continuing Education Fund was a rousing success.  Thanks to our auctioneer extraordinaire, Keith Fiels, and generous donations from individuals, sections and committees, the auction raised $7,000.  How far we have come from the $200 raised on “kitsch” that started the auction in Springfield several (7) years ago.  Over the years we have raised close to $20,000 items for this important service.     This year's items ranged from big ticket ‘getaway weekends' to handmade aprons and sweaters, herb gardens and cocktail baskets.  The bidding was fast and furious and very competitive; no one was left out of the action.  Thanks to the generous contribution of our vendors, the bar was open to help loosen up those purse strings. 

       Our goal for 2005 is to top last year's profit.  MLA members can help reach that goal by finding, making, coercing friends, vendors and colleagues to provide a wide range of interesting items.  Baskets from the various sections and committees are always popular and probably the best deal of the night.  Last year's Margarita basket was a huge hit.  Be creative; build a basket with specialties from your neck of the woods.  Do you knit, sew, crochet, quilt, cook, read, garden, drink?  Get those authors who visit your library to sign books to donate to the auction.  Do you know any popular sports figures or season ticket holders?  Who has a Patriot or Red Sox player living in their town?  Don't be shy, remember this is for a good cause and our goal this year is to top last year and bring in $10,000.

       If you know ahead of time what you want to donate, email the Conference Committee or Auction Co Chairs, so we can advertise the items ahead of time so you can take out a mortgage before the conference.  You can always bring items to the Conference in Falmouth at the last minute.  We don't turn any thing away.

       Finally, come to the auction.  Watch your colleagues and friends bid against each other for the strangest things!  Bring your cash, checkbook or home equity loan for this great event.  This is superb entertainment and you just might end up with the deal of the night!

Merrily Sparling, Auction Co Chair

msparlin@cwmars.org       

Michael Colford, Conference Co Chair

mcolford@bpl.org