2011 FRIENDS AUCTION

GALA AUCTION WELCOMES HOLIDAY SEASON 

 

On November 18th a crowd of over 200 people enjoyed a festive evening of good food, good company and lots of good things to bid on at the Friends of the Hampstead Public Library’s most successful ever Auction.  The attractive setting at Zorvino Vineyard added immeasurably to the party atmosphere and the diversity of the items available meant there was something to interest just about everyone.  Auctioneers Steve and Patty Falconer kept the bidding moving fast and furiously with practiced expertise and lots of good humor.

 

Art held the interest of many bidders who were pleased with both the quality and quantity of work available.  The prints and paintings were properly displayed on easels that showed off the talent of the artists to good effect.  New Library Director Debra Heitt attended and bid on a picture to be displayed in the library.  It was purchased with funds that had been donated to the Friends in memory of Harriet Grush and will be a permanent memorial to this art-loving lady.  "Sign of Spring” by Hampstead artist Jean Abate will soon be found on the walls of the library.

 

The balloon pop was more popular than ever.  There were 85 balloons available to buy and pop for an instant reward and many more could have sold.  A new feature this year was the sports auction that drew the interest of a number of new bidders.  Names such as Wes Welker, Bobby Orr, Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester, and others created quite a buzz as pictures of them came up for bidding.

 

Although not all attendees bid at the Auction, everyone had a really good time.  They clearly enjoyed being able to support the Friends of the Library at a party where they could meet and chat with friends and acquaintances.  The Auction of 2011 was very much the social event of the year in Hampstead. 

 

Everyone is hoping to see a repeat of this super special Auction when it is next held in 2013.