Auction Summary

The committee planning the 2008 Cold Spring School Benefit Auction, an event the school holds every other year, began meeting a year ago. As anyone who has ever been on the planning front line knows, there are a gazillion details that require careful consideration, and no matter how thorough the planning, there will be a few surprises. That’s when humor, resourcefulness, and an ability to think outside the box (a Cold Spring characteristic?) become a committee’s most valuable traits. We’re proud to say that this committee - Stephanie Carbone, Deborah Caplan, Aisling Colon, Paula Coyne, Gina D’Errico, Heidi Downey, Regina Frangipane and Michele Kramer - possessed these traits, as well as the tactical skills needed for a successful event.

Well in advance we secured Yale University’s Calhoun College’s Hogwarts-like dining hall through the generosity of Calhoun Masters Jonathan Holloway and Aisling Colon. Approximately 170 guests attended the Auction, filling a space the committee originally feared might be too large. Anna’s Catering fed us all, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert, accompanied by homemade beer donated (and brewed!) by Pete White, and wine donated by Deborah Levine and Stuart Press. Jonathan Holloway, the auctioneer for the evening, was witty and convincing. Dressed for the occasion in a tux, he opened with a song (who knew?), James Taylor’s “Shower the People” putting guests into a generously giving mood.

Auction 2008, held Saturday, May 17, was a grand success in so many ways. Solicitations for merchandise and services yielded a range of silent- and live- auction items, from acupuncture treatments to South African wine to homemade cookies to stays at waterside vacation homes. There was literally something for everyone. We are happy to report that $50,000 was netted, a record for a Cold Spring auction! From this total, $11,740 was raised through Fund a Cause donations and is earmarked for the purchase of ten computers for our new classrooms, and the remaining funds will be used to support the Cold Spring School Scholarship Fund. This event owed its success to the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to make Auction 2008 memorable, enjoyable and fruitful. Hats off to you!