The Hartford Courant - Monday, January 30, 2006
Chairs To Be Auctioned For Charity
by Daniel P. Jones - Courant Staff Writer
Avon LIFE picture page - March 06
|
AVON - Hand decorated rocking chairs that have been on display at area businesses will be auctioned to benefit a local charity that provides food, clothing and furniture to needy families in the Hartford and New Britain areas.
The money raised in the auction to be held Feb. 11 at the Avon Senior center, will go to Gifts of Love, a nonprofit group with headquarters at Old Avon Village, which is hosting the event.
Local businesses, individuals and professional artists have donated and decorated at least 30 chairs to be auctioned.
Each of the rockers, some for children and some for adults, has been decorated according to a particular theme. One, for example, has been lacquered in an Asian motif; another design celebrates the art of photography.
"We're so happy to be able to provide this unique way for people in the community to support Gifts Of Love," said Ann August, property manager for Old Avon Village.
"We came up with the idea of decorating rocking chairs, " she said, "because a rocking chair has been the symbol for the village for decades and because our community of vendors wanted to make a contribution for Gifts of Love."
The charity, which helps about 240 families each month, was founded in 1989 and has given needed items to more than 2,400 families since then said Maryann Steele, executive director of Gifts of Love.
The auction will take place from 4 to 7pm The entry fee for the auction is $25 prepaid by Feb. 10, and $30 the day of the auction.
Pettibone's Tavern in Simsbury will provide hors d'oeuvres, which are included in the fee.
People can view the chairs from 1 to 3pm during a public preview session. There will be no fee to see the chairs during the preview.
Avon High School and Hall High School in West Hartford will have musical groups playing jazz from 4 to 5pm. as food and beverages are being served.
For more information about the auction or to buy a prepaid ticket, call Gifts of Love at (860) 676-2323.
