Harvest Moon Auction 2010
By Beth Wise, Assistant Director
The 2010 Harvest Moon Auction raised over $300,000 for the Bing Nursery School Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid for approximately 20 percent of our children. Our theme for the 22nd annual event, held Nov. 13, was “Come and Take a Magic Carpet Ride,” and the magic began as guests passed between the two camel sculptures “guarding” the entrance and into rooms draped with richly colored fabrics, evoking the spirit of One Thousand and One Nights. As in past years, Helen and Peter Bing supported our fundraising efforts with a generous gift of $50,000. Bing parents and supporters also offered financial donations as well as their time, talent and enticing auction items.
The event took place at Stanford’s Arrillaga Alumni Center in McCaw Hall. Tables festooned with jewels and richly woven tapestries displayed auction items ranging from culinary delights, adventures and getaways, class gifts plus more. Thick Persian rugs and a palace archway welcomed the guests to an evening of conversation, bidding, entertainment and delectable falafel, hummus and other Middle Eastern food provided by “The Other Woman” catering company.
The evening was accented with the exceptional vocal talent of Anthony Liatsis and Bing parent Angel Burgess. Throughout the event, a slideshow of photos of Bing played on a large screen. Photos of Bing past were provided by Charlene Dowley, sister-in-law of Bing’s founding director Edith Dowley. Over 200 current photos were provided by Bing teacher and research coordinator Chia-wa Yeh, and teacher Quan Ho. Another Bing teacher, Todd Erikson, used his dazzling DJ skills to keep the crowd entertained and moving throughout the evening. We deeply thank the parent volunteers who worked tirelessly for months to create an event that was truly memorable. Bing parents worked extensively on every auction detail through months of planning, solicitation of items, displays, decorations and more.
During the live auction, attendees bid on items such as tickets to the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno Live”; an Italian dinner party with Bing teachers Lars Gustafson and Colin Johnson; a handmade playhouse palace fashioned by Bing’s carpenter, Wilhelm Grotheer, and painted by teachers Betsy Koning and Stephanie Holson; and the popular “Fund a Scholarship” cash donation.
Other items auctioned off included an evening discussion with author Po Bronson; a train trip with teachers Peckie Peters and Karen Yamamoto; the ’60s Themed “Mad Men” Dinner Party; an Iranian Dinner at Shalizaar Restaurant; the famous Bing Campout and other very generous donations. In addition, parents created over 40 beautifully packaged theme gift baskets, which were a highlight of the auction.
We express our deepest appreciation to our auction co-chairs, Allison Kluger and Patricia Smith, for months of planning, organization and positive leadership to create a truly successful and enjoyable auction. We wish to thank our enthusiastic auctioneers and Bing parents, Nate Olmstead and Warren Packard, for making the live auction “come to life” through their energetic and appealing performance. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s auction, “Sail the 7 Seas” on November 5, 2011!