Ann Vernon
Thanks to so many residents throughout SaddleBrooke who participated in the eighth Treats and Talents Charity Auction; this year’s auction brought in over $32,000 with money still coming in! The auction was a gala affair and was well attended. Talented SaddleBrooke residents (musicians, cooks, quilters, jewelry makers, bakers, brewers and weavers) donated their skills to supplement donations contributed by local businesses. All the money raised supports various SaddleBrooke Community Outreach projects, Adopt a Family, Impact of Southern Arizona, Youth on Their Own and Science in the Schools.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of this auction were the fixed price items: bargain hunters rushed to the tables to sign up for events such as a Turtle party chocolate class, a Fiesta party, an Oktoberfest event at the Oracle Inn and a Spooktacular wine party and a roast suckling pig dinner at It’s Greek to Me. These events, which are held throughout the year, are great fun! There are still openings in some of these events so watch for information in the paper-—or if you have attended previous auctions you will receive email notifications.
The hard core auction goers went after the live auction items, such as in home gourmet meals, dinners in upscale restaurants, time share weeks in Mexico and Sedona and a library dinner. There was even an airplane ride donated by pilot Gary Wood, a SaddleBrooke resident. Gary Wood not only took the lucky bidder on a ride, but he built the plane himself! Talk about talent—.
All this success did not come without lots of hard work. Thanks to everyone throughout the community who donated, attended or helped out at the auction. A special thanks to the hard working steering committee: Pat Andrea, Ann Coziahr, Edie Crall, Caraleen Ford, Marsha Liakos, Benith MacPherson, Karen Moore, Arthur Posner (co-chair), Barbara Posner, Cathy Scott, Jennifer Stevens, Victoria Wareing and Dorothy Wood. We also appreciated Gary Shaw who donated his time as the auctioneer.