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 annual dinner, dance and auction this past Saturday. 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."
Over 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, tickets to the Cleveland CAVS games with perks caused a lot of excitement. One package had the highest bidder leaving with four tickets and an invitation to dine with the NBA officials before the game to talk basketball with the rule enforcers!
Three winners took home trips to Mardi Gras, Treasure Island, Florida, 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 Sweet Jubilation Bourbon Street Ball is one of two major fundraisers held for The Village Network. Proceeds from the events are used to expand existing programs and fund new community initiatives.