It was November 14th, a crisp fall afternoon. Couples strolled through parks bursting with autumn color, and college kids played touch football. I had been looking forward to this day for months; it was the day of the Seattle Habitat for Humanity Auction. It was to be the fifth year in a row I attended this fabulous fundraiser, but this year it looked as if I would miss it. An evil newsletter editor had chained me to a desk in a dark, damp cellar and I could not leave until my article was finished. I wept bitterly over my computer.

At 3:30, a clock struck and suddenly there was a sharp knock on the door. "Come in!" I ventured, unable to reach the door on my own. The heavy hinges creaked and the room was flooded with light. As my eyes adjusted, I noticed a tall man outlined in the doorway. He reached out his hand to me and my chains miraculously fell to the floor. "Come!" he murmured, "We must get a prompt start on The Silent Auction items."

"But..." I started to protest, "but..."

"Don't worry," he reassured me. "I am Dave and I am your date to the auction. We're going to have a wonderful time. We will need transportation," he mused. "Do you have a pumpkin?" I shook my head sadly as he scanned the room. His eyes rested on my computer. "I guess an Apple will do." In the blink of an eye, my computer disappeared and out on the street beyond Dave I could see a shining limousine, its engine purring. "To the Seattle Design Center!" he shouted to the driver and we sped off through light traffic over the streets.

As we approached the Design Center, excitement was in the air. We rushed in...then stopped! It was beautiful! People were milling around, buzzing over the hundreds of items, sipping wine and champagne as the jazz music floated through the air. Dave and I quickly registered. As we walked to our table, he touched my elbow lightly. "Rita, I nearly forgot. This is for you." He took from his pocket a velvet case. A small platinum rectangle was within. "It's your credit card for the evening," he said, smiling, "I want you to really enjoy yourself." I felt my eyes mist with tears of gratitude as we headed toward the silent auction items. There seemed to be miles of items: golf outings, pottery, diaper service, comedy tickets, guided hiking tours, picture frames, car detailing, pruning services, dance lessons, baseball tickets, children's dresses, balloon bouquets, a microwave, kayak rentals, movie tickets, software, theater tickets, overnight getaways, bowling, fanny packs, a comforter, pasta bowls... It seemed endless and wonderful. I was quickly signing my name on all kinds of items. There were so many things I wanted and all my holiday shopping could be done right here, right now! It was so much fun -- racing back to see if I had been out-bid and upping the ante once again. Even Dave got into the action, bidding on the Detlef Schrempf autographed Sonics basketball!

As I was counting my first successful bids with glee, dinner was served. The fresh salad with a fabulous dressing was followed by a luscious, savory salmon fillet and vegetables that made my mouth water. It was by far the best meal ever served at the SHfH auction. Dave smiled. "We have to nourish your appetite for the bidding frenzy. The Live Auction is about to begin!"

Before Kip Toner started the auction, the terrific people from Habitat gave a short program. First the Honorary Auction Host, Tom Skerritt (you know--Viper from Top Gun!), was introduced. Then a recent Habitat homeowner family told their heartwarming story. Finally, with lights flashing and the jazz band finishing one final song, Kip and his merry band of number spotters took the stage. I had been truly amazed by the good things Habitat made happen and was happy to use my magic credit card to help. I was hungry to spend some money on this wonderful cause and there were over sixty items to bid on! I raised my placard quickly and the case of fine French wine was mine. What else would I get? The trip to NYC and tickets to The Rosie O'Donnell Show plus a show jacket? The rowing dinghy handmade out of white oak and Honduran mahogany? The private cooking lesson from the chef at Buongusto in my own home? Maybe the mini-motor home road-trip!!! Oh, how about the Palm Springs week?

Dave surprised me by bidding on the diamond necklace and the generator. "For you," he told me sweetly, patting my arm, "A diamond to set off your lovely eyes, and we can't have you unprepared for Y2K!" I was about to protest when they interrupted the auction for a new "Bidding Frenzy:" the first one to raise their placard would win a gift certificate to some of my favorite restaurants: Palisades, Azteca, Bandelone, Flying Fish, Le Gourmand, Redhook Alehouse, Buca di Beppo and so many more. It was just amazing how much fun it was. People were standing on their chairs, laughing. Part two of the Live Auction started and I was good and ready with my placard this time. "Bring it on!" I shouted as Dave smiled understandingly. First up, the Float Plane ride to the San Juans - and I was the successful bidder! The wine tasting for 30 looked tempting, and so did the Play and Stay Golf resort. There were so many weekend getaways that it was hard to decide between them, so I bid on them all! It really was wonderful to have a magic credit card!

It was truly a grand evening. I spent a fortune and had the best feeling ever! I was so happy to help such a worthwhile organization.

After Dave and I said our goodbyes, I crawled into bed -- blissful but thoroughly exhausted from this spectacular event. Suddenly the alarm rang and I woke to discover that I was not the richest girl in the world any more, at least not in terms of money. I'm rich in other ways, though, such as getting to work with Seattle Habitat and seeing all the wonderful and important work they do.

I realized why I had this fantastic dream. It was the pressure I am feeling from having a newsletter deadline looming over my head. I have to have the Auction article in today! I hope I can get it written on time! Maybe I can ask for an extension. Well, at least I know that this will be the most exciting and biggest auction SHfH has ever put on. I just can't wait for November 14th!

Call the office for details or visit the website at Seattle-habitat.org.

Respectfully submitted,
Rita Lindle
Auction Chair