Tropical vacations, original artwork, Thunder tickets, and a cookbook and photo autographed by Gov. Mary Fallin are among the hundreds of items that will be auctioned off at the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and auction Feb. 10. The theme of what is always an entertaining event is “A Groovy Kind of Love.” Auction committee members are busy with tie-dyed fabric, funky flowers and other period decorations to create the right atmosphere at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center.
“It will be a real party atmosphere,” said chamber president Fran Topping, who even promised lava lamps. “Dressing up (in hippie attire) is optional, but would add to the fun.”
Doors will open at 6 p.m. for seating and viewing of the auction items, with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. The meal will be catered by Jerry Kuhn and One Way Youth Ministries. Tickets are $20 each, and tables of eight may be reserved. Reservations must be made by noon Thursday, February 3, and tickets will not be available at the door.
Expected to draw high bids in the live auction are the Governor’s items as well as some trips. Both Nancy Bodard and Terry West have donated time at their Mexican vacation homes, and the Heartland Flyer has donated two round-trip tickets. There are also hotel stays, Thunder tickets, NASCAR tickets, and several other event admissions.
For government junkies, both Sen. Charlie Laster (Dem.-Shawnee) and Rep. Josh Cockroft (Rep.-Tecumseh) are donating their precious time. Sen. Laster will entertain two students and a chaperone with a tour of the Senate, lunch and recognition in the Senate chamber. Rep. Cockroft will host two adults on a guided tour of the Capitol, followed by lunch.
If you’re still working on your New Year’s resolutions, you might want to bid on Unity Health Center’s donation: a Wii Active 2 Personal Trainer plus two additional games, Gold’s Gym Dance Workout, and Nickelodeon FIT for kids. Or, how about a round of golf for two – with a cart – at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s FireLake course? Or eight hours of moonwalk rental from Extreme Inflatables or six skate passes at Star Skate?
Forgetting about healthy stuff, Honeysuckle Rose has donated “A Smokin Good Thang” Master Forge dual-door smoker, tools, cookbook, and accessories plus a free entry to the premiere barbeque cook-off in June. There are also advertising packages, electronic equipment, and much more.
For the art lovers, there’s a stained glass piece called “Dreams of a Mermaid” by Lynn Farrar or a print of a red-tail hawk by Chuck Spillers.
The silent auction will include lots of free meals, hair cuts, cookies, gift baskets, and more. As has become traditional, fancy desserts will be auctioned off by the table.
Donations are still being accepted, although at this late date, they might not be included in the printed program. Contact the chamber at 598-8666 for more information or to make reservations.