Proceeds from the sixth annual Holiday Auction, sponsored by the Great Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America, will help support programs for youths who otherwise might not have an opportunity for Scouting experiences.
The fund-raiser on Tuesday, Nov. 21, in the Salt Lake Hilton Hotel will begin with a silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by a light buffet and a live auction, which will begin at 8 p.m.More than $300,000 in donated merchandise will be up for bidding, directed by auctioneer Robert A. Olsen. Peter Evans will again be chairman of the event; Robert Urich, television and movie star, is honorary chairman.
Some of the "luxury or large-ticket items" to be auctioned are an automobile, an upright piano, a "wave runner," a ski boat, airfare and six nights at a San Diego hotel and lots of artwork, household furnishings, toys, professional services and merchandise.
The event promises to be enjoyable for those attending. Everyone should be able to find items on which to bid. The public is invited to attend and bid for a $30 entry fee, which includes the cost of the buffet and auction, Evans said.
All proceeds from the auction, Scouting officials say, will fund programs for local area youths. The programs include: "Learning for Life," which annually serves 2,600 youths termed "at risk"; Urban Emphasis, which was organized to serve inner-city youths in newly chartered Scouting units; Scouting in the Homeless Shelter; and programs to combat "unacceptable" trends - drug abuse, child abuse, unemployment, hunger, illiteracy and environmental concerns.
The auction is "one of the most generous things the community can (support)" in reaching out to help others, said Scout Council President Lawry Hunsaker.
Salt Lake Mayor Deedee Corradini and Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt have both expressed support for the auction, Scouting officials say.