Unique Preview Party Kicks Off Cancer Center’s Online Auction
Bidding Begins for MaryBirdAuction.com at Live Oak Arabian Stables
Photo available for download. Captions available at end of release.
(Baton Rouge) – In its ninth year, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s annual fundraising auction -- MaryBirdAuction.com -- began with a special preview party held at Live Oak Arabian Stables, Cedar Lodge Plantation on October 16. Hosted by Laura and Phil Witter and Dee and Steve Keller, the evening was underwritten by Merrill Lynch and presented by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
WBRZ-TV’s Whitney Vann was the emcee for the evening’s activities, which included a live auction of some incredible items – like a chance to ride in Zapp’s Fire Truck Mardi Gras Float in 2008 -- to kick start the online bidding. Guests sampled fare from Copeland’s, Courtland’s Catering, Don’s Seafood, Gajan’s Catering, The Melting Pot, Raising Cane’s, River Road Coffees, Sharing Shores, The Times Bar & Grill, and Tsunami. Libations were courtesy of Baton Rouge Coca-Cola and Mockler Beverage-Budweiser.
Sounds from the band Island Fever filled the air as bidding began on over 300 items at www.MaryBirdAuction.com. Computers for the evening were provided by St. Joseph’s Academy.
The auction, featuring a large array of unique and one-of-a kind items, runs October 17 – November 18 at 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and will provide free community cancer screenings and programs.
The 2007 Preview Party Committee volunteers include Tanie Bush (chair), Nancy Barber, Ginger Kurlas, Suzette Polito and Mandy Cordaro.
Photo 1 Caption
(left to right) WBRZ-TV’s Whitney Vann, emcee for the evening’s activities; Jenny Gray, event director; Tony Kurlas, Merrill Lynch; Marielle Land-Howard, auction volunteer.