Auction items draw crowd to annual event
The excitement of New Orleans with its music, food and Mardi Gras fun was front and center at The Village Network’s (TVN) annual dinner, dance and auction Oct.17. Hundreds of supporters dined on oysters Rockefeller, shrimp ceviche, Louisiana barbecue chicken and Creole bread pudding before joining the enthusiasm of the live auction.“The opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind packages brings the crowd,” said Lacie Blanchard, director, community relations. “The Sweet Jubilation committee members and our board members put together some impressive auction items.”
More than 100 items went to the highest bidder at the black tie optional Bourbon Street Ball. Silent auction items ranged from Paintball Park passes to tickets to the acclaimed Ohio Light Opera.
On the live auction side, the premier sport’s package was tickets to a Cleveland Cavaliers game, but not just any seat. The winner will watch Lebron James and Shaquille O’Neal play side-by-side from the seats reserved for the NBA officials. Before the game, they will dine with the NBA officials to talk basketball with the rule enforcers.
Three winners took home trips to Mardi Gras, Treasure Island, Fla., and Hilton Head via a 65-foot Fairline Squadron named the Sea Hawk. Another high bidder will spend a day with Congressman John Boccieri (D-Alliance) and take a private tour of the Capitol Building and Rotunda followed by lunch in the congressional dining room.
The Bourbon Street Ball is one of two major fundraisers held for The Village Network. TVN has been helping troubled and traumatized boys and girls for more than 63 years. Proceeds from the events are used to expand existing programs and fund new community initiatives inside the agency’s 10 Ohio locations.