Earthly Delights A Success!!!

Earthly Delights Again a Winner

All of the figures aren’t in yet, but we already know the 2007 Earthly Delights auction was a great success! Thanks to our generous donors, guests, and volunteers, the evening provided funds for our mission in addition to well-earned recognition to our honoree, Candy Wallace.

There were some new features this year: The event was held at the Kent State Stark Conference Center, and a guest auctioneer, David Goodman, provided a new look to the Live Auction. Both added an element of novelty to the evening, keeping guests (and sometimes volunteers!) in a state of suspense, wondering what was going to happen next!

Tapping into the Wallace family’s Scottish heritage, lots of plaid, pictures of Scotland, and even a bagpiper transported the crowd of 350 to that romantic land. Two hundred silent items were quickly bid up, as everyone enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oerves. Dinner was served in candlelight, with centerpieces formed from the natural materials of stones and greens. A yummy chocolate truffle cake was served at the beginning, as a tribute to our honoree, who advised the crowd to always eat dessert first in life.

Mr. Goodman took the stage in a flourish, and proceeded to tease and cajole the audience into anteing up big for the Live Auction items. An adorable Cairn terrier, a handmade Scottish quilt, and a trip to the 2008 Pro Bowl attracted the highest bids. The evening finished with a short movie about The Wilderness Center, and a request for funds to support the mission. Many guests were quick to raise their paddles in support of TWC programs.

The Earthly Delights Tribute Dinner and Benefit Auction is the largest single fundraiser for The Wilderness Center each year, and it is only possible through the generosity of our community. Thanks again to all who made the evening such a success.