July 17th, 2014
By Times Staff
Benefit auctions almost always represent good fund-raisers, whether for local school and PTO organizations, or for churches and other worthy causes.
In virtually every case, these events give participants the chance to buy something they might not otherwise consider or be able to afford at its regular price. And they can do so knowing that they’re also supporting a good cause in the process.
Few benefit auctions, however, offer the wide range or exotic nature of items as potential buyers can check out tonight before Friday’s annual Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce auction at Woodman’s Essex Room.
From an African photo safari trip to original works by Cape Ann artists, sports tickets, local inn stays and much more, the Chamber’s auction will feature well over $150,000 worth of items up for bid, and will truly offer something for everyone. But that’s hardly this auction’s lone selling point. Just as the Chamber continues to play a lead marketing role on behalf of Gloucester, Cape Ann and our local business community, any money raised by this auction will also stand as an investment by buyers in our local economy as it continues to grow. And that makes it a viable investment in our communities as a whole.
Through projects like its Cape Ann license plate initiative — aimed at raising money to be steered to Gloucester and Cape Ann’s towns for their own marketing, education and other programs — the Chamber continues to play an important role in representing Cape Ann to the region, the state, and yes the world. But it is, after all, a nonprofit that runs on funding generated by events such as tomorrow’s auction.
There is a free preview tonight beginning at 5 at Woodman’s Essex Room, with the main auction to be held in the same location Friday beginning at 5 p.m. as well.
To that end, let’s hope the Chamber’s 27th benefit auction generates the participation and support it deserves. It’s not just a major social gathering — it’s a good investment in all of our communities’ futures.