Sweetser News & Events

Sold on Kids Benefit Auction raises $88,000 for Sweetser

Posted on 04/11/2008 at 08:11 am

They came to donate to Sweetser, and give they did!

Some 350 guests approached the tables lining the walls at the Sable Oaks Marriott in South Portland, April 5, for a chance to take home a piece of Sweetser history.

Guests hovered over 123 silent auction items and 27 original works of fine art -- all offered to the highest bidder. Bidders try to advance the previous written offer before the process closes. After a celebration dinner in the Grand Ballroom, Emcee Lee Goldberg of WCSH6 announced the opening of the 16th Annual "Sold on Kids" live auction and asked for opening bids on 15 of the biggest items.

Auctioneer Bill Zafirson returned to the microphone this year to keep the bidding lively and the donation coming for the children Sweetser serves. Zafirson's first offering was two bottles of Sweetser-brand, student-made maple syrup, which quickly sold to high-bidder Christopher Emmet, a board member and former Sweetser student. One attendee said maple syrup was a "sweet reminder of the good work that is being done."

Only one winner could take home each item, but the selling prices that were promised helped "Sold on Kids" top off another year of fundraising effort for Sweetser families. Presented by Preti Flaherty, the 2008 benefit auction raised in excess of $88,000.

Mrs. Maine, Kristin Walton, and her husband, Bob, attended the event to help promote the sale of a custom-designed diamond pendant. The citrine and diamond necklace, donated by Day's Jewelers, went to long-time Sweetser supporter, Barbara Boyle of Springvale.

In preparation of this year's event, 168 donors sent to Sweetser items such as a Boston shopping spree, four tickets to a Yankee Stadium September baseball game, an autographed Boston Bruins hockey stick, golfer's vacation, Caribbean trip, a 14-foot student-made canoe and a private, behind-the-news-desk session at WCSH6 with Lee Goldberg. In the spirit of value added, Goldberg donated three Patriots' game books, including last season's Super Bowl program book to one of the packages.

"Preti Flaherty's generous sponsorship gave us a great jump start towards reaching our fundraising goal and providing vital services for children and families in Maine," said Carl Pendleton. Other major sponsors for the event include Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares, KeyBank and Tyler Techonologes, Inc.

President and CEO, Carl Pendleton recognized auction planning committee chairperson, Carol Thorne. Thank you to all Sweetser auction volunteers - Barry Daniels, Jennifer Dondero, Katey Dydowicz, Kathleen Hebden, Norma Porter, J. D. Kendall, Adrienne St. Jean, Amanda Spaulding, Seth Towle, Linda Viger and Nancy Whitehouse.

Congratulations to all members of the Development staff!

To donate an item for next year's auction, contact Jennifer Steele, Development Officer, jsteele@sweetser.org or 207.294.4485.

Sweetser President Carl Pendleton, left and Board Chair Bill Zafirson

Amanda Spaulding, left, and Adrienne St. Jean volunteer to help out.

Emcee Lee Goldberg, WCSH6