The ever-popular annual SunBird Community Auction, held on Jan. 23, was another outstanding success, both as a social gathering and a fundraising event.
Collette Ellis-Toddington, with assistance from Mike Watkins, sourced donations of live and silent auction items from residents and local businesses. Auctioneer Trent Johnson’s humorous cajoling of the crowd ensured an entertaining afternoon. Patrick Leach and Sue Koslofsky, assisted by Rob Bower and Greg Smith, provided the bid cards and accounting services.
The highlight of the auction is always the fierce bidding for the baked goods contributed by SunBird chefs and coordinated by the team of Karen Hall and Mary Stohr. With Trent’s engineering, the bids for cakes, cookies, and pies brought up to $400 for each item. James Morgan organized the caddy component of the auction. It seems $300 was not too much to pay for a caddy experience. There were also bids on locally hosted parties. The most anticipated one is the Prickly Pear Party featuring prickly pear margaritas, appetizers, and a main course. Two completely refurbished golf carts, sponsored by A-1 Golf Carts, were happily secured by residents.
Thanks to all the donors and all the buyers for their generosity and to the many volunteers. This auction raised $11,660 for the purchase of a trenching attachment for the maintenance crew.
SunBird Golf Course continues to increase SunBird Golf Resort green space so that we continue to be the “Jewel of the Valley.”