My wife and I just attended the 17th annual Childrite Auction. All I can say is "wow"! It is events like this make me proud of living here! For those of you who don't know about Childrite, well let me tell you a little about it. It was co-founded in 1986 by Larry Schreiber, a local doctor who decided that special needs children should all have a home. Dr, Schreiber not only is a fine doctor, (he delivered both of our children over two decades ago), he is one of Taos' Unsung Heroes, and was voted one of the most admired people in the County. Childrite has grown to be what I feel is the largest fund raiser in Taos County. You can read all about it on the website which is Childrite.org.
In order to hold this auction, it takes volunteers and donors. (a donor is a very generous soul who donates art, services, or merchandise for auction) There are over 100 volunteers who not only work the day of the auction but work tirelessly throughout the year collecting items for the auction and all the other tasks that are required to stage this fabulous event. There are over 300 donors. And the items are not small in value, they are services from doctors like a $2,400 colonoscopy, a basket filled with over $500 in gift certificates at some of Taos' favorite restaurants, a $2,500 vacation rental in Hawaii, and some of Taos' best pieces of art worth $100 to $25,000. Last year some overworked grandfather bid and won a vasectomy which he gave to his son-in-law.
There is a 2 hour preview period ending with a silent auction that covers over 800 items. The live auction follows and covers over 100 items. The art is absolutely amazing. The auction is entertaining! If you are looking to buy some art for your own collection, or looking to find a special gift for someone, no matter what your budget is, the Childrite Auction is the place to go. We have purchased some really nice things for as little as $20. We ave also found some special pieces that went below and above their appraised value. However "scoring" on a piece of fine art is not what this event is about. It is about people opening up their hearts, their wallets, and doing what is right. This year there were more than a few super hot deals to be had. Some went lower than 10% of their appraised value. And there were a few that went hundreds over the appraised value. Dr. Larry Schreiber not only works and sponsors the event, he participates as a buyer and as a donor. This year he donated a framed photo of "Ama Dablam", a twenty thousand plus foot peak in Nepal. Larry not only donated this amazing photo, but he also photographed it. The appraised value was $900. It sold in a heated auction at $4000. I have to tell you this was a seriously emotional part of the evening. It is the only time I have been to an auction when the winning bidder was given a standing ovation.
Getting in to the event is free. It is suggested to make a donation at the door and most people are very generous. For their donation, they are treated to some fine food prepared by the gifted staff of Bent Street Deli. There is a cash bar to keep hydrated. Door prizes are given throughout the silent auction and your odds of winning are better than getting audited by the IRS. The people, well they are what makes this community so great, so diverse. There are people from many different cultures. They are young, they are old, and they come from different eco and socio backgrounds. They do share something in common and that is that they are here to help the kids.
There is so much more about this event. Some of the artists donating their own works, include Walt Gonske, Bill Acheff, Monika Steinhoff, Pat Woodall, Mary Dolph Wood, Ouray Meyers, Jamie A. Jasen, Kenny Bracken, Amado Pena Jr., Ed Sandoval & Ann Huston, Larry & Miguel Martinez, David Leffel, Laura Robb, Thom Wheeler, KC Benson, Doug West, Carol Savid, and countless other generous and wonderful people. Many local businesses help out including several art Galleries. If you would like to view some of the art or learn more about it please visit the website. If you want to get involved, start now. Definitely put it on your calender for next year. It is a great place to shop for Christmas. And if you can't make it you can view the art on line and bid by phone. Last year I only remeber one phone bidder. This year there were several. Good luck, God bless and good bidding! Rember, the website is Childrite.org.
~doug