The Alumni Association of the CLSC’s Silent Auction and accompanying sale is open for one more bidding and shopping session, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday on the first floor of the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall.
This year, the Alumni Association of the CLSC’s Silent Auction is getting its own time to shine.
In previous years, the Alumni Association would hold its Silent Auction fundraiser in conjunction with its annual Great America Picnic — on the same day, sometimes even in the same location.
“The auction kept getting so enormous … it was just too much,” said Pat McDonald, Alumni Association president. “It really wasn’t a good fit. If you’re here to eat lunch, people are bringing their kids; they’re not going to be the shoppers. … Moving it just made more sense.”
In recent years, the Silent Auction and accompanying sale was set up in the Hall of Philosophy; this year, it’s been stationed on the first floor of the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall for the past several days, including hours for browsing and bidding from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The auction is the biggest fundraiser event each season for the Alumni Association, McDonald said. With its largest selection of items ever this year, the Silent Auction raises scholarship funds for teachers and librarians from Chautauqua County. Through an Alumni Association scholarship, the local educators receive a gate pass, a seat in a Writers’ Center class, and a membership to the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle.
“The scholarships pay for books, they get a parking pass, they get a gate ticket. They can come to enjoy Chautauqua,” said McDonald. “… Part of it is to break down these walls. Let people come in, see how wonderful it is here.”
With a variety of goods donated by many Chautauquans, one of the most outstanding items up for auction this season is an antique lamp with a beautiful, reverse-painted shade. There were over 60 donations from local merchants, as well as many items sent in from Chautauquans who aren’t on the grounds.
“Sometimes we get things from other states because (out-of-state Chautauquans) know that this is a place where their stuff is going to be appreciated,” said auction co-chair Carol Benroth.
