Hospice Volunteer Services 20th Annual Arts Auction

     It's nearly time for Hospice Volunteer Services 20th annual Arts Auction at the beautiful Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain in Vergennes on Friday, May 12th, from 5:00 - 8:30 pm.  There will be something for each and every one of you who would like to support HVS, a small nearly “all-volunteer” nonprofit agency that offers compassionate help to those in Addison County who are facing the end of life.

Come on down and make a bid on any of the 200 plus pieces of work generously donated by very talented Vermont artists and craftspersons, or bid on “special auction items” donated by local businesses and individuals.  The art items in the silent and live auctions have been very diversified, ranging from exquisite paintings and drawings and photographs, to afghans and quilts, hand knitted or sewn or appliquéd articles, greeting cards, ceramics, clay, wood items, painted wooden skis, giclee prints (very high quality reproductions through the use of digital scans and archival quality inks), baskets, rugs, oil lamps, and needlepoint pillows.  The “special auction items” in the two auctions have included gift certificates to local restaurants and Inns, lift tickets to local ski resorts, Adirondack chairs, VSO concert tickets, gift certificates for acupuncture and massages, fitness club memberships, and gift certificates to many different local businesses.  In the silent and live auctions last year, items sold for $5 to $575.

For those of you who are first time bidders, do not fear.  Bidding is easy and fun at this pleasant and relaxed event.  In the silent auction, you may leisurely stroll through 3 large rooms chock full of the art pieces and the non-art items as you munch on hors d'oeuvres, sip punch, and enjoy the soothing sounds of the very talented Fred Barnes on piano.  This is a great time to socialize too!  There will be cards next to each item describing the artist, the item, and the item's market value.  Some items require a minimum bid, but most do not.  If you see something that interests you, simply jot down your assigned number and your bid. Those “must have” items may require re- bidding as the evening progresses.  If you are the winning bidder, you need not be present at the end of the Auction to claim your item.

The live auction, headed up by expert auctioneer Tom Broughton, will take place in a separate room where a case of wine donated by Andy McCabe of Vergennes Wine and Beverage will be the kick-off item.  Last year there were 40 art and non-art items auctioned off in the live auction.  Just hold up your number to make a bid, and you're off and running!

If you have worked up an appetite by now, enjoy a light hot buffet and lots of scrumptious home made desserts.  A cash bar will be available.

No need to worry about finding your way to the Basin Harbor Club, which donates its space for this event.  Just follow the Arts Auction signs from Rt. 7 to 22A in Vergennes, to Panton Rd., then to scenic Basin Harbor Rd. as far as you can go, right up to the lake.  Up close parking is limited, but there will be a designated parking area on site with frequent shuttles.

The silent auction will be from 5:00 - 8:30, the buffet from 5:30 - 6:30, the live auction from 6:30 - 7:30, and dessert from 7:30 - 8:30.  Tickets are $20 at the door and include the food and entrance to all events.  If you are unable to attend, a $20 “ticket donation” would be very appreciated.

The Arts Auction is the biggest fund raiser for HVS and comprises a significant portion of their budget.  HVS provides emotional and physical support for people facing the end of life by the use of trained hospice volunteers, plus bereavement support to the community, and public education and outreach to provide a healthy understanding about death and grief.  These services are all free of charge.  HVS receives no federal or state money, so depends largely on donations.   HVS is asking for your support by attending this enjoyable, social community event.  

Jeanne Cunningham, a hospice volunteer who attended and very much enjoyed the event last year for the first time along with her parents who were visiting from Pennsylvania, states, “The Arts Auction was an unexpected highlight of my parents visit with me.  They just had a ball and want to come back every year!  It wasn't just the excitement of the auctions, where Dad purchased the most of all of us (which is out of character for him), but it was a chance to socialize and meet a lot of people because the set-up encourages conversation”.  Jeanne's parents are currently in the process of making their plans to be up here on May 12   for the Auction where “they will be perfecting their Auction strategies'!

This year's Arts Auction is dedicated to the memory of Marjorie Cady, longtime friend of hospice, hospice volunteer, Board member, and contributing artist. Marge died on November 29, 2005 very much like she lived: with dignity and on her own terms. Bright, energetic, warm and sociable, Marge had quite a following of friends and admirers. Aside from directing the Middlebury Writer's Workshop for adults from 1990-2003, she began painting seriously in 1992, exhibiting her pastels in group and solo shows until her death. She and her husband raised 5 children, she was active with the Congregational Church, as well as serving many civic organizations related to health, education, and community. As we miss and remember her, it is our honor to dedicate this 20th Arts Auction Hospice benefit to Marjorie A. Cady. Each year Marge donated one of her beautiful pastels to the Auction. Her family will carry on the tradition this year by donating another famous Marge Cady-pastel. Don't miss this one!

For more information about the Arts Auction, please call HVS at 388-4111.