|
4th Annual Gems & Generosity charity auction set for Sept. 19
By TIM DAVISStar-Tribune Editor
Monday, September 8, 2008 2:11 PM EDT
DANVILLE - Danville-Pittsylvania County United Way will hold its 4th Annual Gems and Generosity charity auction Friday, Sept. 19.
The event, which is open to the public with reservations, will be held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Ben David Jewelers Superstore on Mount Cross Road in Danville.
Ben David Jewelers started the jewelry auction four years ago as a way to give back to the community, said co-owner Mark David.
"United Way is an exceptional organization that gives back to the entire community in Danville and Pittsylvania County," David said.
Ben David will offer a variety of jewelry, including items from top designers, many donated by suppliers.
The auction will feature a diamond pendant donated by Hearts of Fire and necklace from popular designer John Hardy.
"Some of these items are valued at over $1,000," said David.
Other items, like Pandora bracelets and Honora pearls, are valued more modestly under $100 and $200, respectively,
Joy Stone, community impact director for United Way, said the auction offers a great opportunity for bargains.
"The jewelry really sells for less than retail," she said, "so it's a good time to get holiday gifts."
Last year, the auction expanded to include other items, with proceeds going directly to designated United Way partners, said Stone.
"It's really one of my favorite events," she said. "It's a very real way for United Way to share the business relationship we have with our partners."
For example, whoever purchases a big supply of Girl Scout cookies will help local Girl Scouts, said Stone.
Proceeds from the sale of a handmade knife donated by former Boy Scouts coordinator David Clark and a white water rafting trip will go to local Boy Scouts.
The Free Clinic of Danville will benefit from the sale of a framed painting by Frances Kepchar donated by a local collector.
The auction also will feature lots of other items, including trips and hotel stays donated by Daly Seven.
"We're still getting items in," said Stone.
In the past three years, the auction has raised about $35,000. Last year's event raised over $14,000, including more than $2,100 that went directly to United Way partners.
"I'm hoping this year to raise $25,000," said Stone. "I'm shooting for the stars."
Proceeds from the sale of non-designated items will go into United Way's Community Impact Fund, which benefits the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club of Danville, Danville Church-Based Tutorial, Crisis Line, Danville Cancer Association, Danville Life Saving Crew, Danville Speech and Hearing Center, DOVES, and Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services' Healthy Families and Oral Health Programs.
Other United Way partner agencies that benefit from the auction include the Free Clinic of Danville, Goodwill, Hatcher Center, Piedmont Access to Health Services, Pittsylvania County Fire and Rescue Association, Pittsylvania County Schools' Book Buddies, Pittsylvania County Project Lifesaver, Salvation Arm, Virginia Legal Aid Society, and the YMCA.
Stone noted that 100 percent of the proceeds from the auction goes to local charities. There are no administrative costs associated with the event.
Ben David provides the auctioneer and generous catering for the event.
"It's a lot of fun," said David. "It's really a first-class event and a great night out."
There is no admission charge and tickets are not required to attend. However, participants are asked to make reservations with United Way by calling Diane Waters at 792-3700, extension 23, or contacting her at diane.waters@united way.org.
Anyone interested in donating items for the auction also may call Waters. The deadline for donations is Friday, Sept. 12.
tim.davis@chathamstartribune.com
434-432-2791
|
