Auctions to benefit Friendship House

Published 6:53 pm Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Friendship House organizers are selling everything they can — a San Francisco getaway package, cooked pork loin, a one-hour golf lesson, gift certificates to Red Lobster, Atlanta Braves tickets and a kids’ toy chest, to name a few items.

The sales of donated items are through an online auction at www.derbyday.cmarket.com to raise money for the child care facility.

“It underwrites the tuition so people can afford to come to this nationally accredited Center of Distinction,” said Mary Thelma Norris, director.

The Friendship House was founded 51 years ago by women of local churches, Norris said. About 125 children between six weeks and 5 years old attend, and most receive tuition assistance. Parents must work or attend school full time to qualify.

This marks the first year Friendship House has had an online auction. As of Tuesday afternoon, a little more than $3,000 had been raised through the online auction alone. Only about one-third of the 93 items for sale had bids, according to the site.

The site supplements live and silent auctions that will be at The Farm on May 2. Norris said organizers hope to raise more money than last year’s $22,000.

The evening’s events will include watching the Kentucky Derby, with adults bidding on their favorites to win, as well as a full meal. Norris said the evening is casual and laid back, and all the proceeds go to the Friendship House. Cost is $60.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “It’s not high pressure … There’s no dancing (and) you’re home by 9.”



Friendship House fundraiser

When: Saturday, May 2, at 5 p.m.

Where: The Farm

Cost: $60 per person (includes meal)

Schedule: Silent auction and social hour begin at 5 p.m., race is at 6 p.m., live auction starts at 6:15 p.m.

Preliminary deadline: Friday at 5 p.m.

Contact: (706) 278-8012 or online at www.derbyday.cmarket.com