Monday, September 27, 1999
Symphony's first auction called a rousing success
BY JENNY CALLISON
Enquirer Contributor
HAMILTON — Results from the Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony Orchestra's first auction Friday amazed even the most optimistic organizers.
“It was fantastically successful,” said Eugenia Beecher, auction co-chairwoman. “We transformed the bingo hall at Fenmont Center into a magical bazaar and easily cleared $15,000.”
Mrs. Beecher had said before the event that the organization hoped to raise $8,000 from Friday's auction and Saturday's thrift sale.
“I was hoping for somewhere between $6,000 and $8,000,” said symphony board member Connie Baesel.
Mrs. Baesel, of Hamilton, offered the winning bid on an original composition by conductor Paul Stanbery.
“I'm really excited about the composition,” said Mrs. Baesel. “My husband, Bob, and I sing in the symphony chorale, so I told Paul, "You're going to have to write a choral work.'”
Mrs. Baesel wants Mr. Stanbery to write a musical setting of her favorite Robert Browning poem, Grow Old Along With Me.
“The presentation (at the auction) was just fabulous,” said Fairfield resident Jane Rose Green, who came away with an eclectic mix of items, from 18-karat gold jewelry to a putting green. “Gosh, I got an Israeli print that's hanging on my kitchen wall. I got a ukulele in its own case. I mean, everyone should have a ukulele!”
Hamilton City Club catered the event and violinist Ann Linn provided music.
Organizers said they have a good blueprint for future fund-raising auctions but they will likely rethink the format of Saturday's thrift sale.
“It was probably not as busy or as successful as we had hoped, but we had a pleasant crowd,” Mrs. Beecher said, estimating that the second event netted about $2,000.
The orchestra, founded in 1950, provides several free concerts a year, including a spring Mozart Festival. Proceeds from the auction and thrift sale will help pay for musicians and equipment rentals, and will support the symphony's general fund.
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