There were items for all tax brackets at the May 6 WFUV Gala and Silent Auction fundraiser. A vinyl record of On and On, signed by Jack Johnson, Hawaiian surfing champion turned alternative pop-folk singer, was set at an opening bid of $75. At the opposite end of the disposable income curve was a Harry Winston Ladies Diamond Avenue C watch that opened at $20,000. (both items sold)
Some of the more unique and personal gifts were sold off in a short live auction (after dessert and coffee) performed by Southeby’s auctioneer C. Hugh Hildesley. One of the more coveted gifts was The Midnight Ramble jam at Levon Helm’s Woodstock home, held in a recording studio in his barn. Helm is reportedly a gracious host who not only plays music but who feeds his guests well. The gift, set at a $200 minimum bid, went for $3250.
Other hot tickets included four nights at the Austin City Limits Festival with WFUV’s Rita Houston (four gifts went for $5,000 each) and a visit to the Sesame Street studio to meet Big Bird, et al. ($3,000).
One of Fordham’s newest jewels, the Museum of Greek, Roman and Etruscan art, was also represented in the catalog. A personal tour of the museum with university art curator Jennifer Udell went for $850.
