Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

More than 400 people bought tickets in advance for tonight's Center for Grieving Children dinner and auction held in the Holiday Inn by the Bay's ballroom. Judging by the size of the crowd, I'd say a few walk-ins showed up, too.

The party offered up a lively cocktail reception with more than 200 silent auction items that included a little something for everyone. After almost two hours of bidding time, the silent auction closed and we all made our way to the tables for a dinner, with a choice of steak, fish or pasta.

During the meal we enjoyed a number of video clips and live speakers who talked about the organization's value to the community.

One of the speakers was Suzanne McCormick, who serves as president and CEO for the United Way of Greater Portland. She talked about how the center's programs have touched the lives of close family friends.

The arrival of the chocolate cake signaled the start the live auction. When it came time to auction off a signed Dustin Pedroia jersey and a signed 2007 World Series/Rookie of the Year Award baseball, Dave Eid, the sports director for WGME-13, came to the podium to offer his sporting expertise to professional auctioneer Bill Zafirson, who was running the show. Destiny Cook, co-chair of the auction committee, and Erin Ovalle, who co-hosts the News 8 morning news and served on the auction committee, displayed the items for the crowd.

When a week's golf trip to St. Andrews, Scotland - which included lodging in a four bedroom townhouse and two rounds of golf at two different courses - hit the block, bagpiper George Pulkkihen toured through the crowd. It sure got everyone in the proper spirit and loosened up our bidding arms.

I'll have all the details about this fun party - and of course more photos - in the Feb. 13 edition of the Maine Sunday Telegram.

Until then, I hope to see you out and about.

About the Author

Subscribe to the
Society Snapshots RSS

Avery Yale Kamila dishes about southern Maine's hottest parties.

Avery can be contacted at 791-6297 or akamila@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @AveryYaleKamila

Subscribe to the
Society Snapshots RSS

Previous entries