Friends of VINP Looking for Unique Auction Items

 

Unusual items like this bracelet from Caravan Jewelry, above, are just what Friends of VINP are hoping to offer in their upcoming online auction.

Friends of V.I. National Park officials are gearing up for the group’s 4th Annual Online Auction and looking to make this year’s event memorable.

The organization is marking its 25th anniversary and seeking unique items for its signature online auction, which raises money to support programs and projects in VINP.

“We’re seeking unique items from the community and businesses of St. John,” said Karen Vahling, Friends of VINP’s development director. “This year we are reaching out to the community as well as businesses to find unique, special-interest items that can be auctioned online to benefit the park.”

In addition to retail goods and services such as jewelry, dining, hotel and villa stays and excursion packages, Friends is also calling upon people to see what they might have around home that would help with the auction, Vahling explained.

“Friends is calling on people to look around home for a unique item that is special enough to auction for this important cause,” she said. “Whether it’s a piece of original artwork, historic item, a unique collection of some sort — or even something popular like airline miles, a car or a boat, it can it can benefit the national park through the online auction.”   

Potential auction items must be of excellent quality and condition and with as much “history” as possible, so details can be described correctly online. Donations are also tax deductible as allowed by law. 

The popular online auction features items and packages for bidding in time for holiday gift giving. This year’s auction will open for bidding on November 16, at 9 a.m. and will run until December 9, at 8 p.m.

This year’s goal is to raise $30,000 to support Friends’ mission of the protection and preservation of the natural and cultural resources of VINP and to promoting the responsible enjoyment of this unique national treasure.

“If you have a business you would like to promote, or a special item you’d like to make someone happy with, and want do some good at the same time, please get in touch to donate,” said Vahling.

Friends will be accepting donations through Monday, November 13. For more information or to make a donation, call Vahling at 779-4940  or email kvahling@friendsvinp.org.

Residents can also donate directly through the auction site as well at www.biddingforgood.com/friendsofvinp or visit www.friendsvinp.org for the link.