Winter 1997 Newsletter

Formatting Update: July, 1998

'96 Auction Makes a Mark in Habitat Fundraising; '97 Plans Begin

Seattle Habitat for Humanity realized over $60,000 from its second annual Houses for Play Auction held November 16 at the Seattle Design Center, the most ever for a SHfH fund-raiser.

Over 350 Donors contributed 454 auction items for the gala event. More than 300 attendees circulated through three silent auction rounds; enjoyed live music courtesy of the Juanita Jazz Combo (students from Juanita High School), and dined on fine food. The event culminated with a live auction for 46 exciting items including a helicopter ride, trips to Rosario Resort, Hawaii, and Palm Springs, lunch with Mayor Norm Rice, and a custom made playhouse, which was sold at auction and then donated to the children of First Place, a school for homeless youngsters.

All members of the SHfH community owe a special thank you for all the hard work put in by the 1996 auction committee and the event volunteers.

Planning has already begun for the 1997 auction, the goal of which is to exceed $75,000 in net proceeds. The date has been set for November 7 and the location will be the new Bell Harbor Convention Center on Seattle's Central Waterfront.

More volunteers are needed to help with this year's auction, particularly people who are willing to solicit contributions and to help with publicity, invitations, decorations/materials, and all other planning functions. There is also an urgent need for volunteers able to build playhouses, play structures, doll houses, bird houses and general handicrafts, very popular items which were unfortunately in short supply at last year's event. No previous auction experience is necessary to help with this rewarding effort.

The 1997 auction committee will hold its first meeting for new volunteers on Thursday, February 27 at 5:30 p.m. at SHfH’s office on Westlake Avenue. If you are interested in helping with the 1997 auction, please attend the kickoff meeting, or alternatively call the auction co-chairs, Alma Barton at 244-7147 or David Dehlendorf at 784-8682 (eves and weekends only.) Your support for Seattle Habitat's largest individual source of funds will be greatly appreciated.