| WAMM's Not-So-Silent Auction Sunday, September 26th 2004 |  |
| WAMM's Not-So-Silent Auction Sunday, September 26th 2004 | |
WAMM was started by a small group
of women with a determination to make change and a conviction that action
was impossible without visibility. This was a serious challenge for these
activists, but they also understood the value of coming together for a good
time and to support each other. A silent auction seemed like a good way,
and soon became a regular part of WAMM’s activities as an event where
members could gather for fun and fundraising.
This is a festive event for WAMM, and the senses of arriving guests were immediately teased upon coming through the door. The aroma of food, the buzz of friendly conversations, and the essence of excitement at finding the “best deal” filled the room.
The draw of the auction for Lucia Wilkes, WAMM’s director from 1987 to 1994, is being among kindred spirits in a light atmosphere without a specific political agenda. She recalls the first auction she attended upon coming on staff for WAMM. It was an outdoor event held at the home of Mary Shepard, one of the original founders, on a beautiful summer evening. Tony Bouza, then Minneapolis Chief of Police, was the auctioneer.
Polly Mann, one of the co-founders of WAMM, also recalls the auction with
Tony Bouza and thinks it was probably the most colorful. But, she adds, the
most well attended auction was the one where Garrison Keillor was the
special guest.
WAMM now has over 2000 members and, as of August 1st of this year, a new executive director, Mary Beaudoin(right). Mary considers it a privilege to be able to work in an organization that is consistent with her values and that provides such a source of empowerment to women (and men), especially in these challenging and divisive times. Her favorite auction item, as was many others’, was “Julia Ascending” an original unframed painting of Julia Butterfly Hill by Peter Dreissen.
Everything imaginable was open for bid to tempt your pocketbook: arts, crafts, books, CDs, clothing, personal accessories, food, dining, entertainment, golf, vacations, and even a “WAMM On A Stick.”
Other than “Julia Ascending,” perhaps one of most talked about items was a
week in Britanny in a rustic two-bedroom home donated by Ted Dooley. Two
WAMM members, Sarah Standifer and Marianne Hamilton, had just returned from
a week’s vacation there. Sarah described it as a charming house in a
charming little village with comfortable beds.
Bev Allstopp(right) had her eye on a Florentine holiday tureen donated by Lisa
Kupcho. She told me that it was special because it was a Fitz and Floyd, a
name that makes designs that are not repeated. It was being offered at a
mere $100, with a minimum bid of $50. What a buy! Bev is from Burnsville
and a member of Minnesota River Valley Peace Coalition. Her husband, Tom,
is a member of Vets for Peace. He was a soldier in World War II and now
sees the folly of war.
Win Weston and Verna Alt were also enjoying the many bid items. Win was especially interested in one of Jane Evershed’s prints, “Women Walking on the Edge.” Jane is long-time generous contributor to the WAMM auction with many fabulous prints, cards and gift items. Verna mostly bids on restaurants and food.
Kathy and Pat Powers are regular auction attendees. Kathy was bidding on a
photography book, “In the Beginning” donated by Larry LaBonte, and says she
is always interested in the Evershed prints. Pat was still trying to figure
out what she wanted.
There were also raffle prizes and a “Hot Buys” table. Raffle tickets were
only $1 per ticket, but who could resist buying lots from this little
seller.
The most coveted raffle item was a handmade quilt donated by Jane and Jack Regan. Value: Priceless. The happy winner was Anne Winkler-Morey.
A delicious appetizer and dessert buffet was donated by local eateries along with a cash bar of donated spirits: Birchwood Café, May Day Café, Trotters Café and Bakery, Seward Café, New French Bakery, Eastside Coop, James Page Brewery, Margaret Hinton and Bob Plantenberg, Alexis Bailly Winery, and various WAMM members.
No WAMM event is complete without music. Deb Harley and Nancy Stockhaus did the honors by providing wonderful background music during the bidding, and ending with a rousing sing along of traditional peace songs, including “I Ain’t Going To Study War No More” and “Peace Is Flowing Like a River.”
At 7:30 the bidding ended and everybody scrambled to finalize their bids and collect their treasures.
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